The Queen Gives Back

It started a few evenings ago…

In the middle of the night, Mana shoots up in bed, her eyes darting from left to right as she tries to calm down her breathing at the same time. The room is dark and quiet with the acceptation of the soft inhale and exhales from Atem who sleeps soundly next to her. She begins to mimic his calm breathing as a way to calm herself down while still being on the alert.

It felt like someone had taken a lightning bolt and struck her right in the heart. Placing a hand on her chest, she breathes a deep exhale, closing her eyes briefly, then reopening them.

'Either I'm still feeling the effects of my dream or there's a foreign energy nearby…' she thinks to herself.

Swinging her feet out of bed, she creeps out of the room and onto the balcony. The air is cool and a full moon shines brightly in the sky. As she looks across the kingdom, there appears to be no signs of anything odd going on.

"Maybe it was all in my head," she concludes to herself.

Right as she is about to turn around and go back to bed, some movement catches the corner of her eye.

Down below, Seto stands at the corner of a wall. She can subtly see his jaw moving as if he is talking to someone, but who?

"Don't leave this room," Seto whispers.

"Are you sure I can stay here, Seto?" a feminine voice asks. "If the king or queen find out, then…"

"It took me forever to locate you since coming to the Afterlife and I'm not letting you out of my sight again. It's far too dangerous for you to be out there anymore. I don't know what I'd do if harm were to befall you," he explains. "So please, just stay here and lay low…"

"Okay…"

"Seto?" another voice says, causing him to nearly jump out of his skin. Turning around, he gasps when he sees it's none other than Mana.

"My Queen! I-I…how long were you standing there?" Seto asks, clearly flustered.

"Who were you talking to?"

"No one. And…" he takes a quick breath to recollect himself. "What are you doing up anyway?"

Mana frowns. "Seto…you don't trust me enough to actually tell me the truth? You don't seem like the type to talk to yourself."

He turns away from her. "As I said. It is nothing. Now…I'm going to return to my quarters. Have a good night."

Mana decides to do the same, silently walking over to her bed and sitting upward with the blanket over her lap. 'So weird…' she thinks to herself. 'Who was he talking to? And does it have anything to do with the spike in power I sensed?'

"Mana?" her husband's voice comes from beside her. When she turns her head, she sees him sitting up with a look of concern. "Everything alright?"

She gives him a reassuring smile. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

"Can't sleep?"

"I uh…just had a bad dream," Mana replies. She doesn't want to put Atem on alert, especially when she hasn't confirmed anything yet. "But I'm good now. Let's go back to sleep."

Atem nods his head before laying down again. As Mana rests her head on his chest with one arm wrapped around him, she gazes out of the window at the night sky.

'Seto…what are you hiding…Who are you hiding?'

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Cairo lets out a long yawn as she walks through the halls of the palace alongside her mother. Her muscles are sore and her skirt is smudged with dirt after assisting her mother with training. Mana smiles proudly at her daughter, sporting stains of her own.

"I'm so amazed at what you can do, Cairo," her mother compliments.

"Thanks mom," Cairo responds shyly, a small smile of her own forming on her lips.

Knowing her daughter is able to sense energy as well, Mana begins to wonder if Cairo felt what she felt last night. Or is it something Mana imagined. "Say, Cairo?"

Cairo looks up to her. "Hm?"

"You didn't happen to sense anything weird last night, did you?"

Cairo raises an eyebrow. "To be honest, I did, though I was half asleep, so I thought maybe I dreamt it," she replies. "You're telling me it wasn't a dream?"

Suddenly, that same feeling that Mana felt last night hits her again. Cairo narrows her eyes as she takes in their surroundings while Mana stands in front of her protectively without hesitation.

'There it is again…' Mana thinks to herself. 'That power…'

"Mom? What is that?" Cairo asks, going on guard too.

"I don't know, but stay close and—" Sensing the power practically right on top of them, Mana quickly whips around with her palm outstretched. It emits a pink hue that matches the color of her glowing eyes. But once she gets a full look as to who's there, she begins to lower hand.

A tall woman with pale skin, blue hair and blue eyes stands there with her hands clenched at her chest. Her body trembles as she manages to take one step back. Her eyes are filled with fear, having been spotted after she snuck out of her room to get fresh air.

Upon realizing it's a woman, Mana deactivates her magic. "Who…are y—" The woman abruptly runs in the opposite direction. "Hey, wait!"

"I think you gave her quite a scare…" Cairo replies before muttering, "Although…I feel like I've seen her before." Five thousand years ago, Cairo had a tendency of sneaking out of the palace to be among the villagers. She would always go in disguise, purchasing fruit and trinkets from the vendors. One day, she stumbled across a woman being stoned. She intervened and was able to keep the villagers from throwing rocks at her until Seto came.

For whatever reason, Seto made her vow that she wouldn't tell anyone that he was taking the woman back to the palace. And because Cairo wasn't supposed to be out there to begin with, she agreed to keep it a secret. She also recalls Shada mentioning the woman having a great power within her. So it makes perfect sense as to why her mom felt such a huge presence last night.

'Was that really her?' Cairo thinks to herself.

Mana frowns. "Who was that…?"

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She isn't there. The moon casts a light on the empty bed in the secret room he prepared for her. There were a small number of guards that were aware of her presence due to what happened 5,000 years ago and have kept their mouths closed due to their loyalty to him. But he wasn't sure how Atem, Mana or the other priests and subjects would react to his relationship with her.

She is not royal. And being with someone who isn't, is typically frowned upon.

Where could she have gone? Did something happen? Not letting another second go by, he briskly storms off, heading to the horse's stables. He hops on and prepares to leave, until it hits him. How is he going to leave the palace walls without raising concern? Lifting his blue eyes over the large, concrete wall, he gazes up to the sky.

"Kisara…" Seto says to himself.

"Is that her name?"

Seto jumps a little before turning his head. Once again, Mana has snuck up on him. "What?"

"The woman…with the blue hair," Mana says to his shock, though he masks that by keeping a straight face.

"How do you know about that?"

"We bumped into each other," she replies. He opens his mouth to speak, but she quickly interrupts. "I'm coming with you."

"You certainly will not."

She folds her arms, titling her head to the side. "How else are you gonna get out of here then?"

He stays silent, stubbornly looking away. She certainly has a point. With her magic, they will be able to make it to the other side with ease, though he isn't trying to get Mana involved. She's still the queen and if anything were to happen to her, his cousin would not forgive him. Looking from the corner of her eye, he can see she has her hand outstretched for him to take it and let her on the back of his horse. Growling inwardly, he reluctantly grabs her hand, helping her up.

"Let's make this quick and get back before sunrise," Seto says and Mana nods.

Thanks to a magical portal summoned by Mana, they were able to make it out with ease. At first, things are silent between them, the only sounds being the galloping from the horses as it runs through the desert. But the questions that arise in Mana's head are just too much for her to stay quiet any longer.

"You know, after what we've been through, I thought you'd be more open," Mana starts off. "After the battle with Zorc, I lost my husband and my daughter. Not to mention Mahad after he faced off against Thief Bakura. You were passed on the role as pharaoh and I stepped down to being a priest."

Seto stares forward with a focused expression, yet still listening to what she's saying.

"I remember you always checking up on me…because despite me trying to remain strong, you could see that I was hurting on the inside," she continues. "I could also see that you were hurting as well. You lost your father and Atem as well."

"We were there for each other," Seto says.

Mana nods with a smile before growing more serious again. "I also recall a battle that was had in which you summoned this powerful, blue dragon. And afterwards, I found you at your shrine, lingering at its tablet…I couldn't see your face, but your shoulders trembled as if you were crying."

"What of it?"

"Well…it just reminded me of when I first lost Mahad. How I weeped at his stone tablet," she replies. "You must have shared quite the bond to whoever was connected to that ka…Kisara, I presume…"

Seto exhales deeply. "…Yes."

"Why didn't you ever tell me about her? Even now? Why did you feel the need to hide her?"

"Would you and Atem have approved? Or even the royal court for that matter."

Mana frowns. "Seto…"

"We're here," Seto tells her as the horse comes to a complete stop on a small cliff. Down below, there is nothing but sand and several houses. Most of the hollow holes that serve as windows are dark on the inside, except for one house in the middle where a flame lights up the entire residence.

"It's really quiet," Mana says as Seto gets off the horse. "Do you think anyone is here?"

"Kisara is, I know that for sure."

Mana begins to get down as well, preparing to follow Seto into the lit house.

"You stay here," he instructs her, much to her dismay and confusion.

"Huh?" She places her fists on her hips with an eyebrow raised. "What if it's a trap?"

"I can't risk you being hurt. The pharaoh would have my head," he tells her to which she pouts. "If anyone approaches, give out a signal."

"A signal? Hey wait!" Mana protests as he runs in the direction of the lit house. Sighing heavily, she leans on the horse with her arms folded.

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The stench of alcohol invades his nostrils as soon as he walks in. Toppled cups of wine spilled on the wooden tables, chairs lying on its sides and holes in the walls are but a few things Seto sees. He cautiously walks through, sensing the presence of a certain someone toward the back of the house. All he has to do is get to her quickly and leave before anyone comes back.

"S-Seto...?" a frail voice calls out to him, causing his heart to drop to his stomach.

Without hesitation, he runs to the source of the voice until it leads him to a dark room. Chains attached to the wall trail on the floor, clutched around her ankles and wrists. Scratches and reddish bruises are on nearly all parts of her body. Her blue eyes look up to him weakly, but show a hint of relief.

"Kisara!" Seto yells, rushing to her side and crouching down to observe her. "What happened?"

"I-I'm sorry, Seto…" she apologizes in a hoarse voice. "I shouldn't have…ran off. But I was spotted in the palace and…when I ran away I was captured."

"Don't worry. I'll get you out," he assures her while looking down at her chains with uncertainty. With no key being in sight, he will have to find another way. He grits his teeth anxiously, fearing he is running out of time.

"Y-You must go. Leave. Go on without—"

"Don't you dare utter such words! I'm not leaving you behind, understand?"

They hear the sound of the front door opening, putting Seto on alert. He quickly stands to his feet, narrowing his eyes as he anticipates someone entering the room. Hearing quick footsteps, he balls up his fist while cursing at himself internally. It was unwise of him to enter here without a weapon, nor did he bring his diadhank. Glancing at the corner of his eyes, he sees Kisara is very much shaken up and fearful for what's to come.

'I'll do whatever it takes to protect you, Kisara,' he thinks to himself, looking forward with determination.

The footsteps get louder and louder until…

"Oh! There you are!" Mana says beaming from ear to ear in her normal chipper tone.

Seto sighs with relief before regaining his composure. "What are you doing here?" he asks as she walks past him. "You're supposed to be keeping watch."

Mana kneels down to the woman, smiling warmly. "You must be Kisara," she assumes. Kisara nods slowly. "I'm sorry for scaring you earlier. If a certain someone had told me about you, you wouldn't feel the need to hide." Mana side eyes Seto who growls inwardly.

Kisara manages to smile a little. "It's…good to meet you too, your highness."

Mana chuckles. "Just call me, Mana." She lifts her hand, chanting a quick spell that heals Kisara's wounds completely to her amazement.

"Thank you…!"

"Are you able to free her?" Seto asks.

"Of course," Mana replies confidently. "Nothing my magic can't solve."

"Hey! Who's in here?!" a man's deep voice shouts.

"Looks like we may have some intruders!" another one chimes in.

Mana cringes. "Uh oh."

"Which is why I needed you to keep watch," Seto grumbles, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Mana grins. "I figured I'd be 'safer' in here with you," she replies slyly. "Not that I need it, or anything." She snaps her fingers, causing the chains around Kisara to magically disappear and Seto helps her to her feet.

"You two get out of here," Seto says, seeing a window to their right. "I'll be right behind you."

"But Seto!" Kisara protests with concern.

Mana points her finger at Seto's hand, causing a sword to materialize for his own protection. He nods his head at her before turning to the doorway where a few grungy looking men show up.

"I knew I heard something!" one of the kidnappers say.

"And they're trying to steal our prisoner!"

"Let's go," Mana says, dragging a reluctant Kisara away.

"But what about Seto?!" Kisara asks as they manage to make it outside and start running toward the horse.

Mana looks over her shoulder at her and smiles. "I've seen Seto engage in the toughest of battles. He'll be fine."

Kisara's mouth goes slightly agape. Mana is right. She has always known Seto to be strong and she has to have faith in him.

"Oh, another thing," Mana says, taking Kisara out of her thoughts. "When this is all over, you are more than welcome to stay at the palace!" she says to Kisara's surprise. "And you don't have to hide!"

"Mana…" To think the queen is so nice, not to mention easy to talk to. She certainly doesn't act like a typical person who is royalty. It's clear the queen is strong, but even that doesn't make her treat anyone differently. "Thank you…"

Before Mana can say anything further, they are forced to stop in their tracks when around fifty more burly men head in their direction. Whipping out her blue wand with a gold ball on top, her eyes begin to glow pink as she activates it.

"Dark Magician Girl!" she shouts at the top of her lungs, summoning a magician that looks almost identical to her. She opens her mouth to call out her first command when Kisara suddenly steps forward. Mana looks at the blue haired woman questionably. "Kisara?"

"You helped save me. And so…it's my turn to help too," Kisara says as her eyes begin to glow blue and a matching aura surrounds her. Mana watches in awe, hearing a mighty roar echo in the dark clouds above. That same feeling she got that one night, hits her in this current moment. Slowly looking to Kisara, her mouth slowly drops. This confirms it. Although frail looking, this woman holds an astronomical amount of power, close to that of a god.

"Incredible…" Mana comments.

"Ready?"

Mana regains her composure and nods as they both send their respective monsters to attack.

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"The Queen is missing!"

"And Priest Seto is gone as well!"

These words are what Cairo wakes up to first thing in the morning in the throne room. She stands a few feet behind her father, rubbing her eyes and letting out a yawn as Shimon attempts to stop Atem from leaving out on his own.

"My pharaoh, it's much too dangerous for you to—"

"The more time we waste, the more danger they could be in. Or worse," Atem says firmly. "Now step aside, Shimon."

"We still don't know the cause of their disappearance. We have to be as prepared as possible."

"My king, we've located them!" Mahad announces, running into the throne room. "Please, come quickly!"

On the outside of the palace walls, Seto stands in between Mana and Kisara. Their bodies are slouched over, adorned with many scratches and bruises from head to toe. They were victorious. But the small battle has left them totally exhausted.

Seto peers down to Mana. "I guess I should be thanking you."

Mana chuckles weakly. "No need."

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have been able to free Kisara, nor fight all those men by myself."

"Aww, you're glad I tagged along," Mana replies teasingly to which he averts his gaze. "She won't have to hide anymore."

His eyes widen. Did he hear her correctly? Will he and Kisara finally be able to be together freely? In the palace no less?

"Maybe you've forgotten that I was once in similar shoes," she reminds him. "I just happened to be fortunate that I was taken in and was able to live in the palace."

Kisara listens on to her story, surprised to hear what Mana had to endure when she was a child, the backlash that was received when Atem chose to marry her, and proving herself worthy to be queen.

"But when you love someone, you don't care what others think," Mana says with a smile. "And I'll never forget where I came from and those who extended kindness to me during a rough period of my life. So…I want to extend that same kindness to Kisara."

Seto turns his head slightly, just enough to see half of Mana's expression, her lips curled up and her eyes bright despite being weakened from battle. "Mana…thank you."

The gates to the palace open and they are immediately greeted by several guards and a shocked Mahad who then runs off to fetch the pharaoh and the others. Then comes the never-ending scolding from all the priests.

"Hey guys, can this wait til' later? We're sorta in a lot of pain," Mana groans, rubbing the back of her neck with a grin.

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Mahad yells at her, causing her to chuckle nervously. "Do you understand the severity of what you did?! You could've ceased to exist! "

"Uh…"

Atem sighs with exasperation. "Mana…"

"I know, I'm sorry," Mana says, clasping her hands over her head. "I didn't mean to worry you."

"It's not her fault," Seto intervenes. "I take full responsibility for putting the queen in danger."

Kisara steps out from behind Seto, bowing her head respectfully. "My apologies as well, my king."

Atem gasps lightly. He briefly remembers her from the Millennium World. She had perished due to Magus and he was forced to go toe to toe with her and Seto. "Kisara…?"

Mana perks up a little. "Oh, so you've met Seto's girlfriend already," Mana says, causing Seto to tense up and glare at her. "I told her she could stay."

Seto clenches his fists, his cheeks turning red. "I never confirmed she's my—"

"That's fine," Atem replies to Mana.

Mana grins from ear to ear, nudging Seto with her arm. "See? Told you it wouldn't be a problem! Should I have them arrange a room for you both?"

By this time, Seto's face is completely red. "Why you—!" His legs suddenly give out and he faints.

"Seto!" Kisara yells, crouching down to him, though she feels herself getting light headed as well and soon she is out cold.

Mana gasps. "Are you o—" Her eyes roll to the back of her head and her body begins to fall to the side until Atem catches her.

"Let's get them treated," Atem says before looking down at Mana who still sports a weak smile even in her current state.

Mahad places a hand on his forehead. "Some things never truly change."

Atem smirks. "You would be correct."

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AN: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. This one moreso a KisaraxSeto story with hints of AtemxMana, but again, this is just another story that was in my vault. This does have references to Prisoner of the Shadow Realm, such as when Cairo met Kisara in the Millennium World and Mana's mention of her marriage to Atem.

Well…until next time! Leave a review, yeah?