A/N: Argh…
First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the late update. I can't believe I'm suffering from yet another writer's block. Things have been rather hectic for me and I'm starting to get sick again. I know you're waiting for the next chapters, which is why I'm desperately trying to force my fogged mind to work.
But alas, my mind hates me to extremities and refused to cooperate.
Second, regarding Chapter 2 of 'All I Want For Christmas', I know it's already delayed. But I suddenly lost the inspiration to continue that. I am also open for suggestions on that particular chapter (since it would be the second out of three). If you want to write the next chapter, by all means, you are openly welcomed.
Third, on 'You'll Be Safe Here' sequel, I'm working on the plot right now (along with this story's ending) but I'm already telling you guys, it may take a longer time to be finished since I'm looking for songs that may fit the plot. If anyone is interested, just PM me.
Chapter 16: A Clash between Reality and Illusions
Fate can be extremely irritating most of the time. Once in a while, you'd swear to escape from it and its cruel twists of deception and still end up meeting its traps face-to-face. And while there are some who would remain passive and allow it to take control of their lives, 'I'll live my life, come what may', there are a small few who would dare fight it.
And among them was no other than High Priest Seth.
It was a known and undeniable fact that the blue-eyed priest was a man of extreme stubbornness and impatience. He refused to portray mediocre acts, or show weakness. He was a man of principle and valor. And although he was impulsive and restless most of the time, the people knew that it was the combined cleverness and calculations of this priest, and the strategic plans of their pharaoh that ensured their safety from invaders.
But things were going to change. Everyone knew that.
Once upon a time, their pharaoh would escape the palace and disguise himself as a stranger and stroll around the bazaars and plazas. Of course, after a few hours, the palace would raise its alarm (no matter how discreet they may be, the people can see through the barricaded entrances and watch Priest Seth mutter incomprehensible words again and again) and look for their missing monarch.
Then, of course, there were also times when they'd hear the pharaoh and his priest bicker something ridiculous about who won in a game of chess or not when they were pretending to be civilians. And the times when they see High Priest Mahado glare at High Priest Seth for allowing the then-prince, Atemu, to jump from a tree and accidentally break his elbow.
And yet, no matter how much they tried to linger in the past, to reminisce old times, they could do nothing. There were so many things they wanted to do just to ease their monarch's misery but the fact was, they were average, weak people. What could they possibly do?
There was a line between what was real and what was fantasy. What is real is that their pharaoh was now a hollow shell of himself. What is real is that everything seemed to backfire and end in ruins. What is real is that Ranmen was having a great time watching their king and his cousin avoid each other and pretend the other didn't exist.
It was the undisputed fact of life that they would greatly desire to change—a question of fiction and reality.
XXX
"The Nubians are preparing an attack, my pharaoh," Shadi reported, "If we have calculated correctly, they will send out their ultimatum in a week."
Atemu contemplated on the report, brows furrowing slightly as he devised a plan, "Where were they last seen?" he asked. From a distance, High Priest Seth entered, 'fashionably' late as usual.
Mahado shook his head lightly seeing how the king tensed upon the entry of the other priest, "Just west of the Nile," he answered. Somehow he couldn't deny that Ranmen was still behind the Nubian attacks.
"Have the archers positioned by the banks. We will camp them until they cross the river," Atemu replied, directing his gaze on Karimu, "Were scouts ordered to be positioned already?" he asked.
"Yes, sire," Karimu replied, "But, Atemu, you are still—"
The pharaoh cut him off with a glare, "I'm fine. I will go to battle," he declared, leaving no room for objections. For a minute, blue clashed with crimson until it was broken and they looked away.
XXX
If there ever was a day that High Priest Mahado was incredibly seething, it was today. The slaves knew that, the guards knew that, heck, even the prisoners knew. This was also the reason why Mana, with all her childish demeanor, avoided anything that might anger him even more.
And the root of all this fury?
A certain arrogant, proud blue-eyed priest who goes by the name Seth, which coincidentally (not) was sitting in front of him.
"Don't pretend that there's nothing wrong," he spat, glaring angrily at the priest before him, who simply (and annoyingly) raised an eyebrow and continued to avoid him. Mahado slammed his fist on the table in frustration. What would it take for the other to just admit his mistake? Ra damn it!
"You can quit disturbing everyone now, Mahado," Seth replied dryly, knowing the other was talking about what transpired earlier.
"So you're going to allow him die out there? What kind of priest are you?" Mahado demanded, intending to provoke the other priest.
"I'm a priest who can control my anger, and would do anything for my king. Unlike someone," Seth answered before sighing, as if accepting defeat, "Look, Mahado, I am not in the mood. Just leave me alone."
Mahado, as if calming down, lowered his voice, "Why won't you just tell him the truth? Can't you see you're only doing what Ranmen wants you to do?" he asked.
Seth shook his head before rising from his seat, "It's not easy to just…," he faltered. Man was his life so fucked up now. Why must his life always be so complicated? "I don't want to talk about it," he ended, making his way out.
Will things change if he kills Ranmen? Or even stop the war between Egypt and Nubia? Will fate change?
"Running away from him won't change things, Seth. They'll stay as long as you avoid them," Mahado called, making the other pause and listen to him. Seth shook his head.
"I know. Say goodbye to Atemu for me," Seth said.
"Seth, what are you planning?" Mahado asked, suspicious of the other's reply. But the other was long gone before he could question him.
From a vast chamber above, Atemu sighed at the sight of his cousin fleeing the palace. Tears pricked bitterly on his face, the owner making no move to wipe them. Why did he have this feeling that Seth will no longer return to him?
XXX
"Akunadin, I should have known you were behind this!" Seth shouted, attempting to break away from his restraints.
His father chuckled insanely before grasping his son's chin and forcing the other to meet his gaze, "You were always naïve despite your mask, son," he mocked. Seth shook his head away and glared, "Don't you dare call me your son. I am not the son of a traitor," he said. Before he knew it, a fist landed on his cheek and he staggered slightly.
"Everything I did, I did them for you, Seth. You were foolish—falling in-love with the pharaoh. What were you thinking? The throne was already yours when he dies. What else can you ask for?" Akunadin erupted.
"Just because I happen to be your son, unfortunately, doesn't mean I think like you. I know where my loyalties are, and I use my powers the way I was taught to use them. Unlike you."
Akunadin shook his head, "There is still time to change your mind, Seth," he said, eyes blazing like a lunatic's, "Join me and we can rule Egypt together. We will be powerful and glorious!" Seth breathed a sigh, "I'm not going to betray Atemu for the likes of you!"
"If that is what you want," Akunadin said, "Release him," he ordered. Seth, although surprised by the change, raised his alarm as he was released. And he was right. A few minutes after he was released, he turned around and met Ranmen face-to-face.
"We meet again, priest," Ranmen said before knocking the priest unconscious.