Chapter 20
Disclaimer : I Don't own Yu Gi Oh!
Italic stands for thought / dreams
+Japanese Language+
[Stands for voice from the past]
Underline stands for letter
"Quote stands for dialogue"
"Spirit Talking"
Bold stands for emphasis
Bold italic stands for a dangerous tone
The Great Sacrifice
"This creature." Atem heard Seth mumbled, "Is there a way to stop him?".
Atem looked at the creature before hearing Mahad gasped, he turned around to see Mahad throwing up blood, he was dying! "Mahad!" He called out in worry.
"I'm sorry, My Pharaoh." Mahad said in pain, "But if this continue, we all would die." He looked ahead before his expression turned determined, "In my current condition, I won't last long, I might as well release all my power".
"What do you mean?" Atem asked in confusion and worry.
Mahad only smiled sadly before he chanted a spell and his body glowing, he then pulled out his sword and stabbed himself.
"Mahad?!" Atem, Seth, Isis, and Yugi all cried out in shock before noticing something, even after Mahad died, his Ka still fighting, but it's seemed that it's attack increased.
"He combined his Spirit with his Ka." Isis realized with wide eyes before she screamed in pain and collapsed to the ground, her body stopped breathing.
"Isis." Atem muttered before he looked at the Dark God again, "There have to be away to a way to defeat it".
"Or seal it." Yugi added in thought.
Seal? Atem thought before his eyes widened as he remember something from an old scroll that he read in the past. "There is." He said softly before he gripped the rope of his Millennium Pendant.
"Really?" Yugi and Seth asked with hope.
"Yes." Atem said with a nod and determined face, "But I could only do it by sacrificing myself".
Yugi and Seth gasped in horror, "No! Daddy! You can't leave me as well! I already lost Papa!" Yugi exclaimed with tears on his eyes.
Atem smiled sadly at Yugi, he crouched down and hugged his Son, "I'm sorry, Yugi, but I have to, or else we all would die and the world would end." He whispered softly as he felt Yugi hugged him tightly, Atem pulled back a bit and kissed Yugi's forehead, "I love you, Yugi, My Son." He said with a loving smile before stood up and turned to his pale Cousin.
"Atem." Seth mumbled sadly, "I, I never said this before, but this might be the last day we meet each other." He started before he hugged his Cousin, "Atem, I, I always care about you, you are my beloved Cousin".
"And you are my beloved Cousin as well, Seth." Atem answered with a warm smile before pulled apart and looked at him straight in the eyes, "After I die, I want Yugi to take over my Throne, but please help him as best as you can, Seth, help him in my place".
Seth had tears in his eyes but nodded his head, "I will, Cousin." He promised with determined eyes.
Atem nodded and turned to the Dark God's direction, he had lost so many people already, so he was determined to do anything as long as he could save his loved ones and his people. Atem placed both of his hands on his Pendant and started chanting the spell that he remembered, he didn't care even though he would surely die and locked in his Pendant, he would gladly sacrificed himself as long as his loved ones would be safe and well..
"Daddy." Yugi sobbed as he saw Atem's the Millennium Pendant glowing brightly, the sign that the Magic already started.
"What?! What is this?!" Yugi and Seth looked up when the Dark God screamed and turned into black mist and being absorbed by the Millennium Items.
Yugi and Seth looked at Atem again when he stopped chanting, he was now standing with unfocused eyes. "At-!" Seth wanted to called his Cousin's name, but something prevented him, "Pharaoh!" he settled with that as he caught his Cousin when he fall.
"Seth, Cousin." The Pharaoh said softly, "The Magic I used, it's to seal the Dark God along with my Spirit in this Pendant, and I seal it with my name." He explained weakly as he pulled off the Pendant from around his neck and handed it to Yugi, who accepted it with a sob, "Yugi, please take over my Throne." He said with so much effort.
Yugi nodded his head as he sobbing still, "I will, and I will become a good Pharaoh, I promise." He said between sobs.
The Pharaoh smiled, "I'm sorry, since I seal it with my own name, no one will remember my name anymore, and everything that has my name written on it will be erased as well." He explained further before closing his eyes as his body started glowing, "I can't stay longer, Good Bye, Yugi, Seth. I love you".
"Pharaoh!" Seth gasped when the light from around the Pharaoh's body absorbed by the Pendant.
"Daddy!" Yugi yelled as he hold the now dead Pharaoh's hand, he sobbed when he didn't received any reaction to his call, "DADDY!" Yugi threw his head backwards and cry out to the sky as loud as he could, tears flowed from his eyes and downing his cheeks before falling to the Millennium Pendant.
When Yugi's tears touched the Pendant, the Pendant began glowing and cracking sound could be heard. Yugi and Seth gasped as they looked at the Pendant, which continued to cracking while still glowing brightly, then the Pendant break to pieces in a strange shapes with a certain pattern.
"The Pendant is . . ." Seth muttered in shock as he looked at the pieces, which still glowing for a bit before the glow disappeared.
"Shattered." Yugi finished Seth's words with the same shock in his voice.
XXXXX
"It's done?" Seth asked as he walked into a small shop in the town.
"High Priest Seth." An old man stood up from his position and bowed to him, "Yes, High Priest, the item that you ordered had finished." He said as he walked to one of the shelves and pulled something before walked to Seth and offered the item.
Seth took the item and opened the cloth that wrapped it, the item was a golden box with Hieroglyphic words written on it's sides. Seth nodded his head and re-wrapped the box, he turned to the old man, "Good work." He said as he reached for a bag from under his robe, "Here is your payment." He said as he handed the bag to the man before turning around and left.
3 days had passed since the attack from the Dark God, the village now under reparation from the damage received during battle, and the announcement had been made that the previous Pharaoh had passed away. Everyone know how he looked like, how he acted, but not a single person remember his name, even the record where his name was written had been erased by Magic. Even though they couldn't remember his name, they still love him and respect him all the same. The Nameless Pharaoh, that was what people decide to call him, because his name become something that was so sacred because his name was what used to seal a great evil along with the Nameless Pharaoh's Spirit.
Seth entered the Palace and headed for the Healing Chamber, he knocked on the door shortly before opening it, "Everything ready, Naila?" he asked Naila, one of Isis's apprentices, who was writing something on her book, he guessed it's something like a diary, where she wrote everything important that she experienced.
"High Priest Seth." Naila stood up as she rolled her scroll, "Yes, I had prepared for everything, they are ready to get their burial anytime Prince Yugi decided".
"That would be soon." Seth informed her as he showed her the wrapped box, "He was waiting for this, I don't know what for, but he want for the burial to be the same day as this is finished".
"The box?" Naila asked curiously, "I wonder what is that for, he never really tell us about it".
Seth nodded and turned to leave but stopped and looked back at Naila, "Oh, and Naila." He called calmly, "It's should be Prince Heba, not Prince Yugi".
Naila covered his mouth with his two fingers, "Oops." She said softly, "I forgot about it".
Seth nodded again, "Better get used to it." He advised before he left and headed for the Royal Chamber.
The day after the incident, at the same time as Yugi announced that the Pharaoh had passed away, Yugi announced that from that day onward, Yugi would use his Egyptian name, Heba, which has the same meaning with his Japanese name. Heba and Yugi's name both meaning Game, Yugi said that as long as he was in Egypt, he would use his Egyptian name, and when he was outside, he would use his Japanese name. Even so, only a few who know that Heba was immortal, so they have to faking his death one day.
"You can come in, Uncle Seth." Heba's voice rang before Seth had the chance to knock on the door.
Seth smiled, Heba's hearing was still as sharp as ever. He opened the door and walked in, he saw that Heba was standing on his balcony, looking over the Kingdom. "Sharp as usual, Prince Heba." Seth said as he walked to the boy, "I come here to report to you that the box you told me to make had finished".
Prince Heba turned to him and smiled sadly at him, "Thank you, Uncle Seth." He said softly. Heba was a strong child, he would never let himself down just by the death of his family, but that doesn't mean that he wouldn't get sad. The servants, Malik, Jono and Seth know that Heba had been crying at night due to the loss of his two Fathers and the others.
Seth smiled sadly back at him, he also still sad at the loss of his Cousin and Kisara, many people had lose their loved ones in the war and from the attack of the Dark God. "Mind to tell me what are you planning to do with this box?" he asked politely.
Heba walked to his bed and gestured for Seth to do the same, as Seth approached the bed, he saw Heba pulled a bag. "The box is for these." He said as he opened the makeshift bag to reveal the pieces of the Millennium Puzzle, the Millennium Pendant had shattered, but Heba noticed that it had become something like a puzzle, so he decide to change Millennium Pendant's name into Millennium Puzzle.
Seth stared at the pieces before he placed the box on the bed and opened the cloth that wrapped it, "For them, but why?" he asked as he open the lid of the box.
"Because the Pendant had shattered, and because there's Daddy's Spirit sealed inside, I think that it's better for the Puzzle to be buried inside Daddy's tomb." Heba answered with a sad smile, "Only when the time is right then someone would be able to retrieve it, I had this feeling that I would meet with Daddy once again, I feel that it's still in a really long time in the future though".
Seth looked at Heba before he nodded, "I guess it's better if you hear what your heart say, so that you wouldn't be led astray by the darkness of the world." He said as he looked at the afternoon sky outside through the balcony door, "When are you going to bury their bodies?".
Among the Councils, they had lost Shimon, Mahad, Isis, Karim and Shada. Akhunadin had become a traitor so his body was fed to the crocodiles and not given proper burial, as punishment for what he did that caused so many lives to gone. Shimon, Mahad, Isis, Karim and Shada, they had given them the proper burial two days after the incident, that would leave them with Marik, Akefia and the Pharaoh's bodies to be buried, Heba had decided to bury Marik's and Akefia's bodies in the Pharaoh's tomb because Heba noticed that the two also get their Spirits sealed inside the Millennium Rod and Ring. The reason was unknown, but Heba thought that it would be wise to bury the bodies of those whose Spirit sealed inside the Items at the same place, but only the Millennium Puzzle be buried along with their bodies.
"Today, at dusk." Heba answered calmly as he looked at the sky, "So that the color would be the same as Daddy's eye color".
Seth nodded, "Understood, I will inform Naila and the rest to prepare to go." He said before he bowed and left.
XXXXX
Yugi was leading the way to the Nameless Pharaoh's tomb, behind him were Seth, Jono, Malik and Mana and behind them were the people carrying the Sarcophaguses which carrying Akefia's, Marik's, and The Pharaoh's bodies, the rest of the people who wish to send them to the afterlife followed behind them. Except for Seth, Jono, Malik, Mana and Heba, no one know about the fact that the three people's Spirits were sealed inside the Items, so they believe that they were sending their Spirits to the afterlife.
The process was not long, they placed the bodies on the designed place through the secret door, because Shimon had installed the tomb to have so many traps to protect the Pharaoh from the Tomb robbers when he built the Pyramid, then they send the prayer before the people left, only Heba stayed behind to placed the Puzzle Box on the place he had prepared beforehand. After Heba get out from the tomb, they sealed the secret door with their Magic, so that those who wish to enter the tomb had to go through the layers of traps.
Heba was standing there, looking at the sealed door before he turned to the people, his people. "Let's head back to out home now." He said to them all before leading them to the Palace's direction.
XXXXX
Heba was standing in front of the mirror with closed eyes while his servant placing Kohl around his eyes and the others dressing him with his new attire, 40 days had passed after the burial of the previous Pharaoh, so he would be crown that day.
"It's finished, Prince Heba." The servants said to him, he opened his eyes and nodded at them before leaving his Chamber to the Throne Room.
The crowning went without problem, Heba had given his words to try his best in ruling for the best of Egypt, he make his appearance to the people and gave them his short speech. He also given the chance to the remaining thieves to try a new life and work in the Palace while serving the people to pay for their crimes, many had decided to try to start a new life, because if the Thief King could, why not them? But a few decide to left and continue their life as a thief, Heba let the go that once, but if they ever get caught in the future, he would punish them without exception.
"Congratulation in becoming the New Pharaoh, Pharaoh Heba." Seth, Jono, Mana and Malik said as they began the celebration, Heba didn't want his crowning to be celebrated for he was still sad, but because it's tradition, he couldn't do anything to change it.
"Thank you." Heba answered as he sat on his Throne, "I know that we are in the middle of the celebration right now, but before we enjoy ourselves, I want to say something first." he said as he looked at them.
"What is it, Pharaoh?" Seth asked curiously.
Heba smiled, "Well, since we lost many people among the Councils, we need to chose a new ones." He started, "High Priest Seth, I want you to be the High Priest who hold the Millennium Rod but also be my Adviser".
Seth's eyes widened before he smiled and bowed, "My pleasure, Pharaoh." He said honestly, even though he was the previous Pharaoh's Cousin, he had never once wished to be the Pharaoh, he was content with his place as the High Priest.
Heba nodded and looked at Naila, who was standing not too far from him, he called her over, "Naila, you are the best among Isis's apprentices, so you will be the new Palace Healer." He said before looking at Malik, "Malik, you are still young right now, but I want you to be trained so you could become the General, and I also want you to continue to learn to be a Healer, it's better to have more people who could heal people as good as Isis was." He grinned.
Naila and Malik bowed to him, "Understood, Pharaoh." They said together.
Yugi then looked at Mana, who was looking at the ground, Mahad's and Isis's death had saddened her greatly for the two already like her Brother and Sister. "Mana, I want you to be the new High Mage in the place of Mahad." He said, making the girl to stared at him wide eyes.
"Re, really?" Mana asked in shock.
"Yes, and I also want you to try to see if the Millennium Necklace will accept you, because it's a common knowledge that the Necklace only chosen women all this time." Heba answered with a warm smile, before he looked thoughtful, "Wait a moment, your Magic is still very bad, so before you could take the place as the High Mage, you will have to train more." He grinned at the girl, who blushed cherry red at the reminder but nodded, the rest were laughing at his words.
"I will train more, Pharaoh." Mana said softly before grinning at Heba, "I would definitely get as good as Master Mahad!" she promised.
"That's good." Heba grinned before looking at his Big Brother, "+Onii-chan, what do you plan on doing?+" he asked with a warm smile.
Jono looked thoughtful, "+Well, I was originally planning to leave after your crowning.+" He started before looking at Heba, "+But now I think that I better stay here and help you out a bit, I'm sure ruling a big Country at the age of 10 is really stressful, so I will stay here for, at least, 5 years or so before coming back to Japan+".
"+Have you informed Jii-chan, Maya-neechan, and Ryo-niichan about this?+" Heba asked with a raised eyebrow.
"+Already done, don't worry.+" Jono answered with a grin.
Heba smiled and nodded, "Oh, Prince Jono, Big Brother. If you planning to stay for 5 years, would you mind to take over the High Mage position and training Mana for the time being?" he asked cheerfully, "You are the best Magician back in Japan, so I guess that you would be a great help if you agree".
"I don't mind." Jono answered with a nod, "It would be boring if I stay here and not doing anything".
Heba nodded back before looking at Seth again, "High Priest Seth, for the rest of the Council members, I would like it if you are the one who decide it, you have more knowledge in this matter." He said calmly.
Seth nodded, "Of course." He agreed with a smile, "You don't have to worry about this problem, Pharaoh".
Heba then stood up from his Throne, "Alright!" he exclaimed as he clapped his hands, "Now that the serious matter had been said, we could enjoy the celebration!" he then grinning widely, "Now, during this celebration, throw away the formality, call me Heba and not Pharaoh, I hate formality!".
Jono, Seth and Malik laughed out loud at his words while Mana and Naila chuckled, they all nodded before went away to enjoy themselves.
Heba smiled and heading for the balcony, the night had come so he could see the stars and the moon. "Papa, Daddy." He said softly with a warm smile on his face, "I will definitely become a great Pharaoh, and I hope I could meet you once again in the future, for I had a feeling that I will".
To be continued . . .
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