Siren: This is going to get kind of graphic in the worst ways. So I apologize.
Color
Chapter Five
Goodbye
Mahad walked through town with Mana in his arms. The shopkeeper gasped as she locked up the shop and saw Mana. Everyone who passed stopped in their tracks and watched the Priest carry Mana to the castle.
"I'm sorry, Mana." Mahad whispered.
Mahad entered the castle gates and the guards alerted Isis of his return. As he reached the top step Isis ran out with a look of worry.
"Come with me." She said.
Mahad followed Isis into an empty bedroom. Isis gestured for him to lay her down onto the bed. He nodded and did so. Isis grabbed a small tin with a cream inside. Mahad grabbed her wrist before she applied it.
"Is it safe for her?" Mahad asked seriously.
"Yes, this will help with her pain." Isis explained.
Mahad let her go and nodded. Isis applied the agent onto Mana's face as other Priestesses gathered with towels and supplies. Mahad kept a close watch upon them.
"Put a towel on her head." Isis demanded.
Isis grabbed Mana's dress and ripped it open.
"Give me a needle a thread." Isis said.
Isis began stitching a deep wound on Mana's chest as the others applied the agent to Mana's arms. Isis cut the thread and wiped the blood from her hands. Isis ripped the rest of the dress off. Mahad blushed and turned away while covering his mouth and nose.
"Fetch me a clean nightgown and underwear." Isis yelled.
"Why new underwear? Did you rip those?" A Priestess said before she left.
Isis looked up angrily. They ran out the door. Isis continued to apply the agent to the sores across her legs.
"Poor thing." Isis said softly.
The other women rushed back into the room carrying fresh clothes. Isis put her dress on.
"Mahad hand me the cotton swabs next to you." Isis asked.
Mahad handed her the cotton swabs and looked at her. She looked at him as if she pitied him. She watched her wipe up a line of blood coming from up Mana's dress.
"What.." Mahad said.
Mahad began to panick inside. He started shaking uncontrollably. Isis ran the swab in between Mana's legs and then pulled it out. Mahad dropped to his knees because of what he saw. Isis held a swab not only covered in blood but a little white speck on it as well.
"I'm sorry. She was raped as well as beaten." Isis said.
Mahad knelt at her bedside as Isis left the room.
He stared at her sleeping, covered in bruises an cuts. Mahad was shaking violently. He wrapped his arms around himself to try to stop shaking. His eyes widened and tears poured out. He grabbed Mana's hand and held it to his face.
"I'm so sorry." Mahad cried.
Mahad crawled into the bed beside her, making sure not to hit her. He laid down beside her and held her close like he used to when she was young. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
-Dream-
"Mana? Mana!" Mahad yelled.
"I'm right here Silly." Mana said.
She stuck her tongue out at him as she leaned out from behind a tree.
"You scared me." Mahad said.
Mana walked over to him and hugged him.
"I'm sorry, Mahad." Mana said.
He closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around her.
-end-
Mahad opened his eyes and realized that he had fallen asleep. Mahad turned over and saw Mana still asleep. He moved his hand out from underneath and her eyes popped open. She fell onto the floor and stumbled to the door.
"Mana! Stop!" Mahad screamed.
"Nooo!" Mana screamed.
Mahad wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her from the ground. Mana screamed at the top of her lungs until she ran out of air.
"Mana, It's Mahad!" Mahad yelled.
Mana stopped struggling when she heard Mahad's voice clearly. Mahad carried her to the bed and set her down. She stared up at him with tears in her eyes. Atem and Yugi rushed through the curtain.
"What happened?" Atem asked.
"Rest now Mana." Mahad said.
Mahad kissed her on her cheek and turned towards Atem.
"I startled her." Mahad said as he walked out of the room. Yugi and Atem followed.
"Priest! What happened? Why is Mana so bruised?" Yugi asked.
Mahad punched the wall and stood there leaning on it. Atem pushed Yugi behind him and walked to Mahad.
"Mahad, tell me." Atem asked.
Mahad opened his eyes. He clenched his fist harder and grinded his teeth. He turned towards Atem.
"Your…..uncle…."Mahad said restraining himself.
Mahad walked away. Yugi covered his mouth before he gasped. Atem turned around and grabbed Yugi. Atem pulled Yugi along with him as he entered Isis' room.
"Isis!" Atem exclaimed.
Isis opened her eyes as she sat in front of her mirror.
"Hello, Prince. It is true. Aknadin was responsible for this." Isis said.
"But why?" Atem asked.
Isis turned towards them and touched her Millennium necklace.
"My necklace showed me a vision after you left to the lake. It showed me three men beating her and raping her. Then Aknadin came and made the final blow." Isis said.
"That doesn't answer why this happened!" Atem screamed.
"Mahad is the one who showed me that. Yugi, you said Mana stopped you from going to the castle? Atem, You said Seth showed up saying you requested him? Mana was the one who sent Seth here. Shortly after Aton came for a messenger yes? I think Mana knew something she shouldn't have." Isis explained to Yugi and Atem.
Mahad headed down the hall carrying a bowl of fresh fruit. He walked steadily into Mana's recovery room and set the bowl onto the table. As he did so, she woke up.
"I apologize for waking you." Mahad said.
Mana began rubbing her eyes to wake herself up.
"No, it's alright. All I've been doing for the past three days is sleep." Mana laughed.
Mahad watched her cringe as she laughed. He frowned knowing she was in pain. Mahad knelt down beside her and touched her face.
"You don't need to hide your pain from me. I don't deserve the luxury of your kindness." Mahad said.
He looked at her with sad eyes and bowed his head.
"Mahad." Mana said while frowning.
"I promised you! I promised you I would protect you and I didn't!" Mahad yelled.
Mana placed her arms around his neck and rested her head on his. He opened his eyes, surprised at her.
"I forgive you Mahad. You have grown up and can't be with me like before." Mana said.
Mahad lifted his head and looked at her face. She gently kissed Mahad on his forehead, her arms still wrapped around him. Mahad rose up from th floor and grabbed her hand.
"Can you walk?" He asked.
"Well I make it to the bathroom okay." She replied.
"Let us go out to the garden. The light misses you." Mahad said.
Mahad and Mana walked down the hall towards the garden entrance. Mana began stumbling, but Mahad caught her in time. Their faces were just a few millimeters apart. Mahad stared deep into her eyes as he breathed intensely.
"Mahad!" Atem said.
Mahad quickly helped Mana up to her feet. Mana blushed and looked at the ground when Atem came closer.
"Yes, my Prince?" Mahad asked.
"I've decided to take Yugi out to the river to fish today." Atem said.
Yugi walked up to Mana and smiled.
"How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Alittle unsteady with walking, but I'm getting the hang of it." Mana said.
They both laughed as the boys stared at them. Mana gave Yugi a gentle hug.
"Mana, I need to speak with Mahad alone." Atem said.
"okay I'll stay with Yugi." Mana said.
"Thank you." Atem said.
Atem and Mahad walked down the hallway. Mahad turned back for a moment and saw the color back in Mana's face as she laughed with Yugi. Mahad frowned.
"I'm no longer the one bringing color into her life." Mahad thought.
"Mahad." Atem said.
Mahad looked over at Atem. Atem had a very serious look on his face.
"What is it, Prince? Mahad asked.
"My father wants me to go to war and he has requested that you and Seth be my allies in this venture." Atem explained.
Mahad's eyes widened. Mahad bowed before Atem.
"I'm honored." Mahad said.
Atem smiled as he rose to his feet.
"I'm bring Yugi to the lake today for fishing. I just wanted to break it to him alone." Atem explained.
Mahad nodded and walked with Atem back to the others.
"Come on Yugi. We must be on our way." Atem said.
Atem and Yugi headed towards the door. Mahad pulled Mana close to him. He wrapped his arms around her. Mana could hear his heart beating fast.
"I have to go accompany Atem to the lake, but I will be back soon." Mahad said.
He pushed her away and placed his hands on her face. He kissed her forehead and left. Mana stood there, face flushed.
"His heart was beating so fast." Mana thought.
She shook her head and laughed awkwardly. She turned around and head back to her room.
"Prince, I insist. You should bring an escort with you." Mahad said.
Atem climber into the boat after Yugi and looked up at Mahad.
"What are you saying Mahad? I have Yugi with me." Atem said.
Mahad shrugged and waved.
"Precisely." Mahad said.
Mahad watched them sail off. When the time was right, he turned around and headed back to town. When he reached the gate he saw two guards.
"Guards!" He said.
"Yes, Priest." They replied.
"The prince and his company are out on the lake. Keep close watch as to who goes near." Mahad explained.
"Yes." They replied.
He wandered into town and saw the shopkeeper of the flower shop.
"Oh ra! Priest! How is Mana? Is she alright?" She said panicked.
"Calm down, Mana is fine. She got out of bed today and went on a small walk with me." He replied.
The shopkeeper closed her eyes and sighed. Mahad nodded and began turning away.
"Wait!" She exclaimed.
Mahad turned to her in surprise.
"Come with me, there's something I want you to see." She said.
The shopkeeper led him into the green house. She stopped him in front of beautiful Pink and blue shaded flowers.
"What are these? They are beautiful." Mahad said.
"I don't have a name for them yet. It's a new breed. I found it astounding how the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen were Mana's favorite colors." She explained.
Mahad smiled as he smelt the flowers.
"You should name them after her." Mahad said.
"No, you just named them." She said.
He rose up to his feet as she handed him a pot with two of the flowers. Mahad smiled and nodded.
"Tell her I send her love." She said.
Mahad walked out of the shop and towards the castle's garden. He looked down at the flowers in his hands.
"Mana." He thought.
He smiled and entered the garden. He gently set the pots down by the door and enter the palace.
"Mana?" He said.
"She is on the front steps enjoying the breeze." Isis said.
"Thank you, Isis." Mahad said.
He ran through the halls to the front door and saw Mana sitting on the steps. He quietly watched her while he wasn't noticed.
"It's so beautiful today." Mana said.
The wind picked up and blew threw her hair. Mana started laughing as the breeze blew her hair everywhere. Mahad smiled and opened the door. He walked over and sat down beside her.
"Oh Mahad! You are back!" Mana exclaimed.
"Missed the weather?" Mahad smiled.
"Yeah, that room is like a prison." Mana laughed.
Mahad looked down at the ground, grimace covering his face.
"I'm sorry." Mahad said.
Mana nudged him and he almost fell over.
"You can just owe me a date." Mana said cheekily.
She winked and stuck her tongue out. Mahad got up and smiled.
"Then where would you like to go?" Mahad asked.
Mahad stood up and put his hand out to Mana. She accepted and grabbed his hand.
"Surprise me silly." She said.
"Alright." Mahad said.
Mahad grabbed her wrist and pulled into the castle. Mana stumbled around. Mahad noticed her struggle. He pull up on her wrist and she flew into the air. As Mahad ran, he caught her and carried out the garden entrance.
"What are you doing?!" Mana said.
Her face was completely flushed. She pulled her skirt down to try to keep it from flying up anymore. Mahad smiled at her embarrassment.
"I don't want you to fall." Mahad said.
"You could just walk slower!" Mana yelled, face flushed.
Mahad set her down by the pond. He walked back towards the door and grabbed the two pots. Mana smiled as he handed her a pot with the Pink and blue shaded flower.
"Oh my Ra! These are beautiful! I've never seen these before. What are they called?" Mana asked.
Mana lifted the flower to her nose and took in the sweet scent.
"They are a new breed and the shopkeeper let me name it. She sends her wishes to you." Mahad said.
Mana opened her eyes and sighed. She set the pot down and looked at Mahad.
"That's sweet. So what are they? Better not be a stupid name for such a pretty flower." Mana said.
"I named them Mana." Mahad said.
Mana became stunned. Her face turned beat red as her heart began beating uncontrollably.
"B-but that's a lame name." Mana said, panicking.
Mahad looked at Mana as the sun began setting. The solar rays shined onto Mana's face. Mahad's heart began beating fast, he couldn't control himself an longer. He grabbed her wrist firmly and lowered her to the ground. Mana's heart raced as Mahad loomed above her body.
"Maha-" Mana said.
Mahad put his finger on Mana's mouth, preventing her from speaking. Mahad's nose gently touched along her neck as he placed his hand on her cheek. He opened his eyes and looked down at her.
"You are beautiful. It's a perfect name." Mahad said softly.
Mahad leaned down, a few inches from her face. Their panting in sync. Mahad leaned down and lovingly pressed his lips onto hers. Mana closed her eyes and accepted the kiss.
"Mahad! I'm home!" Atem yelled from the castle.
Mahad and Mana quickly jumped up. Mahad rose to his feet and helped Mana. Atem walked outside and saw them by the pond.
"Mahad we must prepare our things." Atem said.
"I will, but first I need to prepare things for Mana." Mahad explained.
Atem nodded and went back inside. Mana turned to Mahad, confused about the situation.
"Come, we must talk to the shopkeep." Mahad said.
Mana stopped and released herself from his grip.
"What's going on?" she asked.
"I am to go to war along with Atem and Seth. With our absence, you aren't properly taken care of. So You will have the shopkeep watch over you at home." Mahad said.
Mahad began walking into town and Mana rushed after him. As he reached the front of the shop, Mana threw her shoe at his head.
"Ouch! What was that for!" Mahad yelled.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner? Or even go?" Mana screamed.
The shopkeeper just watched them blow up outside the window.
"Oh boy." She thought.
"I have to!" He yelled sternly.
Mana jumped at how scary he sounded. She backed away slowly and clenched her hand on her chest. Mahad clenched his fist.
"It isn't my choice, remember I am part of the Royal Court, Mana. As will you in a few years." Mahad explained.
Mahad walked over to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She looked up at him with sad eyes.
"Don't worry I will be back." Mahad said.
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. He turned around and opened the door to the shop.
"Priest." She said.
"I need you to watch Mana for me while I am absent." He said.
"Where are you going, Priest?" She asked.
"I have been requested to accompany the Prince to war." Mahad said sternly.
"Oh I see. I'd be honored to watch something so valued to you." She said.
Mahad nodded and nudged Mana to her. Mana watched him as he turned to the door.
"Wait! You're leaving now?" She asked.
"Yes." Hes said.
Mana grabbed his shirt and began to cry. He sighed and turned around.
"I'll be back soon. I'm stronger now. No matter where I am, I'll find my way back to you." Mahad said.
Mana fell to her knees as he walked out of the door.