A/N: FINALLY! Man, I spent three days thinking how I would finish this chapter. I'm so sorry for the late update. And to those who reviewed, I apologize for not being able to reply. Frustration could ruin inspiration, as it turns out. Once again, sorry.

I'll try to finish the story as soon as possible to catch up with my Christmas fic for you guys and the prequel of You'll Be Safe Here. By the way, I may not update this week. I'm trying to catch up due to my unexpected absences in school (stupid fever…)

That's all. On with the chapter…

Chapter 14: Recovery

The pharaoh opened his eyes slowly, as if waking from a trance, and looked around. Gone was the hot sands of his kingdom, or the blazing sun. Gone was the glorious palace he and his ancestors have lived in for the past centuries. Even Seth was missing. All he could see was a quiet and lush garden of palm trees and different plants—some he was not familiar with. Where was he?

Most importantly, what was he doing there?

"Do not be afraid, my lord. You will not be harmed here," someone said. The monarch looked around again, wondering where the sound—though, oddly familiar—came from. As if on cue, a tall man appeared, his hair longer and browner than usual.

Blood-red eyes widened in surprise, "Mahado? What are you doing here?" he asked. Was his cousin here, too, then? Confusion ebbed his mind like a web as he waited for the other to answer.

"I am not your priest, sire," 'Mahado' said.

"I am not jesting, Mahado," he answered, slightly narrowing his eyes.

'Mahado' shook his head in disagreement and focused his stare on the living Horus, "I do not jest, sire. I am not your priest, Mahado. I have come to warn you," he said.

"Warn me of what? Who are you?" Atemu asked rather suspiciously, "How do I know you are telling the truth?" he continued. The other shook his head lightly again, giving him a small smile like an elder would to his grandchild. 'Mahado' stared at him silently.

After a few moments, he spoke, "My identity is no longer necessary. You are in grave danger, my lord. The gods have always favored you among the pharaohs of your line and I only bring to you their utmost request."

This had Atemu confused, of course. Why would he be in grave danger? And who was he? What was the gods' request if there even was?

"Why do you look like my priest?" the monarch questioned.

"Would you prefer to take heeds from someone you do not know? I apologize, sire, I assumed you would trust my words if I look like someone you trust," the other answered, bowing in respect and apology. Atemu shook his head, "No, you need not apologize," he said.

Silence emanated between the two—neither spoke nor gazed at each other. One was suspicious, the other patient, it seemed like it would remain like that for eternity. But Atemu was determined to find questions and satisfy his curiosity now.

"What does the gods want me to do?" he asked.

"Your priest will betray you. It is his fate, as is your fate to be loved and betrayed," the other answered. Atemu stared at him quizzically, now what is the other talking about?

The figure gazed at him, eyes laced with utmost seriousness, offering no objections but showing sincerity and pity, which, of course, only made the pharaoh wonder even more. What must he do?

"Your High Priest Seth will betray you and try to kill you, my pharaoh. You will figure out what the gods request with this fact."

Atemu's eyes widened in horror and disbelief, it was not possible. Highly impossible! It was preposterous. But before he could voice his arguments, or ask further questions, the figure in front of him was slowly diminishing. "Wait! I still have questions!" the monarch cried out but the figure was no longer there.

"Goodbye, Pharaoh Atemu," the figure whispered, letting the wind blow the words away from the shocked monarch.

XXX

The pharaoh sat up, waking from a horrible dream, as he had concluded, and took a glance around his room. His wounds were still sore, as they were on the verge of completely healing, after all. Details of the incident with Ranmen replayed on his mind and he frowned. He had gotten confident with his powers that he underestimated Ranmen's capabilities. But who was the white-haired man who insisted on killing him instantly?

"You shouldn't strain yourself, Atemu."

Atemu looked up and met his cousin's sincere gaze boring down at him. His cousin was losing sleep, he could plainly see that. The monarch shook his head inwardly, "You should rest, dear Seth," he said, pulling his cousin down to lie with him.

Seth, however, shook his head, refusing the offer. "Much has occurred during your absence, Atemu. We cannot let Ranmen get away for trying to kill you," he reasoned, caressing his lithe cousin's face sincerely, "I'm sorry," he added, placing a kiss on top of his king's brow.

Atemu sighed. "I understand. Do not apologize, Seth," he answered, wishing to kiss the other for an unknown cause. Seth returned the smile with one of his enigmatic one and bended to kiss his lover, "I would stay with you if I could, you know that, Atemu," he apologized.

The pharaoh nodded, "I know. Go, dear cousin," he said. Seth sighed and kissed him before leaving the room.

Something was bothering his cousin. It was as if the priest he fell in-love with—the cousin he sincerely loved—was nowhere to be seen. Something was wrong. He could feel it.

Deciding to let his mind rest, Atemu sighed and lied down. Minutes later, he fell into a dreamless sleep.

XXX

Things had been exhausting in the palace for the pharaoh's court, especially to his five High Priests. Consequently, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them doze off for a few minutes. And right now, the servants could only stare at High Priest Seth, who had briefly taken a break and went to his quarters.

Placing the tray of food High Priest Mahado had ordered to be given to the blue-eyed priest, the servants left without sharing hushed words.

'Where am I?' Seth asked himself, wondering where his dream led him this time. Was it not enough to plague him with such horrid nightmares for three nights a row already? It was driving him insane!

"Seth, where are we going?" he heard his cousin's voice from somewhere. Alarmed, he rose and looked for his dear pharaoh, and found him in the arms of a doppelganger. Atemu chuckled as his 'twin' made a sarcastic reply about a topic and he had to control himself from taking his Atemu from the other.

"Somewhere peaceful," 'High Priest Seth' said.

"You know I wouldn't mind as long as I'm with you," Atemu replied. Seth shook his head. No, this could not be happening. NOT THIS!

He knew what would happen next. He knew how his doppelganger would drop his beloved cousin unceremoniously on the sand and take a dagger. Atemu would call on his monsters to defend him and before he could even move to stop the two lovers, Atemu would defeat his cousin as usual but take the blast.

Seth closed his eyes as the cries started, trying to focus on waking up but he couldn't. He wouldn't. There must be a way to prevent the couple from killing themselves.

"I love you Seth… always…"

It had ended. The priest punched a nearby tree, why must he always have this dream? Will something happen between them? Would he kill his Atemu?

"No, you can't die! Atemu, don't die!"

Seth had to close his eyes and pretend he was not hearing anything as he walked away. This was no longer a dream, he concluded. His eyes narrowed, he will not hurt his cousin. Not if he can't help it.

He would break their relationship to save his Atemu.

No more pain and heartbreak for Atemu—no more betrayal and deaths. He promises that.

Seth, High Priest of Egypt, opened his eyes, a decision made up in his mind. Ranmen had hurt his pharaoh because of him. Because Ranmen was jealous of him.

"Sire, your presence is needed in the pharaoh's chambers," one of the servants meekly said, peeking at the now-awake priest. Said priest looked then nodded, "I will be there shortly," he answered.

"Yes, sire," the servant replied and bowed before leaving the priest alone.

He would do this for Atemu. Seth rose and headed for the door. He was determined never to let those annoying dreams happen, he concluded. There was no betrayal, no pain, and definitely no deaths when it comes to Atemu. Ever.

With a forced smile, he left the room.

XXX

When his cousin entered his room, he felt something was wrong. He sensed it in the way the room seemed to vibrate a melancholic aura he rarely felt. It was new. Alien. Cobalt eyes, once full of emotion and compassion whenever they were in their sanctuary, were hidden, as if they didn't want to be seen.

It had confused him very much.

"Seth, is something wrong?" he asked, making his way towards his priest.

The priest bowed courteously, in respect for his lord, "My pharaoh," he said, "I was told that you requested my presence," he added.

Atemu laughed nervously, "Since when had we returned to formalities, cousin?" he asked, his intent as serious as he gazed down at his priest.

Seth shook his head, "I am your priest, you are my king, we have to stop, Atemu," he replied, refusing to meet the other's gaze. A resolve as strong as his right now, he knew, would only crumble once he met his pharaoh's.

The pharaoh shook his head; not believing the answer his priest so casually gave him. He was hearing things again. He walked towards his crouched cousin and forced him to stand up. But still, once fierce eyes refused to meet his.

"Seth, what is wrong with you? Earlier, you would smile and kiss me. What did I do? I'm sorry!" Atemu demanded, hugging his cousin tight. He hadn't expected his reaction nor did his cousin but right now, he was confused about everything.

The priest allowed the other to embrace him but he did not return the gesture. Mumbles were sent to his chest as the other buried his head.

"I'm sorry," Atemu mumbled repeatedly.

"No, Atemu. You did not do anything wrong," Seth replied, "Dear cousin, please, you are the pharaoh. What would your people think if they saw you right now?"

Atemu stiffened and broke the embrace, his tears glistened and made Seth's heart ache. He had made his cousin—the only one he loved—cry. What was wrong with him?

"So this is about me being pharaoh? Because I'm supposed to be strong for them? Is it not right for me to even let go of these restrictions once in a while, Seth? I am a human, nevertheless. I feel, too!" he exploded before pushing his cousin away when he tried to console him.

"No, I need time to be alone," he replied and dried his tears.

Seth could only watch as his pharaoh, cousin and lover left the chamber and fled. He closed his eyes and allowed the events to replay on his mind. Why can't Atemu understand that he's doing this for his own good?

XXX

From the balcony of one of the chambers, Mahado frowned as he saw his cousin sit under a tree. Seth had done it, he concluded. The priest shook his head, "You have a lot of things to learn, Seth," he said.

And all of these because Ranmen was a sadistic fool.