I dedicate this chapter to Chainless by Tinashe
The room fell into a cold hush as the massive gold doors swung open to reveal two guards holding a man. They brought him in and had him stand in the middle of the room. The guards stepped back and bowed respectfully towards the pharaoh, and when they saw that their prisoner was not showing respect they used the blunt end of their spears to hit him across his back, causing him to fall to his knees in a grunt.
The man had a wool sack covering his head as all prisoners had to wear when being presented to the Pharaoh who is the living embodiment of the gods. The only clothing he had on was a tattered cream tunic, held together by a thin rope.
Bruises and scratches were placed all over his body most likely from the beatings he received earlier. He is shown to have a good physique, unlike the grotesque scoundrels the guards usually imprisoned.
The guardians all went to stand beside the throne. Even though they were apprehensive of their pharaoh they still had a duty to fulfill and that was protecting their king.
Guardian Marik stepped forward, clutching the Millennium Key in his hand he sent the guards away with a wave of his hand. The guards bowed and left the room, the doors shut loudly and a tense silence soon followed.
Mana tried to get a closer look at what was happening. From her position she could only see Atem and his guardians clearly while where the prisoner and Marik is she didn't have a comfortable view.
' Speaking of 'comfortable'' She thought as she shifted in her kneeling position. The platform she was on was very narrow making it hard to keep her self hidden and from falling, but luckily the pillar she was on was big enough to hide her tiny form.
' The only time my shortness is useful.' Mana thought annoyed. She would always get teased by Atem for her being short and amazingly Atem isn't the tallest man in the palace regardless of his Status, so it always made her feel even worse, it wasn't her fault that the Gods decided to make her this way. She smiled, she knew he never meant it though.
She glanced back down at him and lost her smile, a worried look taking place. She really hoped that whatever was going on down there would be over soon, so she could go back to having those moments with him.
Staring at the prisoner who's face was shielded by a rag, Mahad clutched at his Millennium Ring noticing one of the points directing itself at the kneeling man. He expected as much, glancing at his comrades he saw that their own Millennium Items were giving off a faint glow as well.
This man has an evil spirit inside of him. He had to have if someone could commit a vile act as robbing a pharaohs tomb. Looking around he noticed the dark tendrils coming from his Pharaoh was slowly creeping along the floors, slithering around the guardians and crawling up the walls and also seemingly heading for the prisoner.
Mahad was used to seeing such dark magics being a dark sorcerer himself, the most powerful one in all of Egypt and country's over. But there was only one that completely surpassed him in his powers and that was Pharaoh Atem. Whenever there was trouble he noticed his friend preferring to use his own powers rather than relying on his Ka and other creatures, something that Mahad always found strange.
What was also strange is that the only creature he's ever summoned forth was his own Ka, The Dark Magician Of Chaos. A powerful Ka at best, but to only use that particular one sparingly, led him to wonder if there was some other beasts he had the power to control that his pharaoh has not mentioned.
A flash of dark brown and cream caught his eye, taking him out of his musings. Looking up at the pillars he searched for what it was. Finding nothing he left it alone, if it was something of importance his Millennium Item would have picked it up immediately.
He looked at Isis standing next him and seeing her worried expression he gave her a smile and reassuringly rubbed her shoulder.
" Don't worry, We must have faith in our Pharaoh." He said in her ear. Isis turned and gave him one of her beautiful smiles, " Of course." She replied.
He gave her a warm glance, ignoring Seto's not very discreet eye rolling he was about to say something else but stopped when he saw Atem rising from his throne. Everyone watched with baited breath.
Atem was beginning to get a reign in on his emotions. His eyes were still red, the eye of wedjet was still present on his forehead and his dark magic was still coating the room with its presence but his mindset was clear and he could make rational decisions.
He stood from the throne, his satin blue cape swishing behind him as he stepped down. He walked to stand in front of his line of Guardians forming a 'V' shape.
He looked at Marik who was standing beside the prisoner keeping watch over him. " Is this the intruder?" Atem asked, the darkness fading from his voice.
Marik nodded, " Yes, My Pharaoh this is him."
" Hm, Remove his covering, I want to look upon the face that disrespected my father and me."
Marik placed his hand over his heart and gave a slight bow, " As you wish, My Pharaoh." Marik stood behind the man and began to untie the rope that kept the sack over his head. Once the rope was removed he grabbed the bottom of it and pulled it quickly over the man's head.
Mana gasped, and quickly covered her mouth when she did. But she couldn't help it she didn't expect the prisoner to be so...handsome.
Long, Dark, black as night hair fell down his shoulders and back skimming over his lean muscles. It looked a bit knotty and dirty but with a nice brushing it would look positively luxurious. And when he raised his head, his purple eyes shone brightly, the kohl framed his eyes perfectly and made a straight line towards his hair line.
His face held no blemishes aside from the bruises he received earlier from the guards. But upon closer inspection, it would seem he had a scar under his right eye. It was too old and healed for it to have been from his capture, he must have gotten it through past scuffles or some other matter.
Mana scrunched her eyebrows together, not understanding why such a good looking man would commit a crime that had him being brought before the pharaoh.
Mana remembered Atem telling her that his guardians usually handled the riffraff that common thieves and bandits would bring into the kingdom. And his presence would only be needed if the situation began to get out of hand. ' What in rah's name did he do?' Mana thought.
Mana looked at the guardians and noticed some of their slightly surprised expressions. Marik and Bakura were the only ones who's face stayed neutral. She supposed it was because those two were in charge of the handling, capturing and placement of all prisoners. Though Bakura liked to be more involved with the punishments and executions of prisoners.
Mana stared at Bakura. He is a handsome lad what with his silver hair, brown eyes an all and Mana wouldn't mind meeting him if it wasn't for his menacing presence and stand offish attitude that always seemed to be with him, she's even caught him being rude to some of the servants she works with. She could of told Atem but she knew he considered everyone in his sacred court his friend and didn't want to be the cause of a broken relationship.
She also didn't want to be a nag to Atem, he can't control every single little thing that went on within the palace. Stopping one bad treatment of a servant, isn't going to stop them all.
Feeling eyes on him, Bakura instinctively looked up. Seeing nothing in particular he went back to the scene at hand. Though he kept giving quick glances up into the pillars.
Mana sat still, leaning heavily on the pillar. She almost got caught, and by Bakura no less. There's no telling what he would do to her if she was found by him. Atem might even let him do it, considering how angry he would be at her for spying on him like this.
She gave a deep breath and rested her head on the pillar. She decided to just listen for the time being rather than watch and risk giving away her position.
Her ears picked up Atem speaking. He sounded odd to her, his voice was more demanding and primal. Mana began to blush, ' He sounds like he did earlier when we were intimate.'
Mana pinched her thigh, she needed to get a hold of herself. This was no time to be thinking of such things at a time like this. She had to make sure Atem and the others don't pick up on her presence. Atem always seemed to know when she was aroused or bothered so she had to keep it under control. She went back to listening.
" He doesn't seem to be from around here...he looks mixed." Said Isis.
The other guardians nodded in agreement, his looks were quite unusual for someone in this region.
Atem heard his guardians and also agreed. He has never seen this man before on outings or around the shops and housing. He would have remembered a man with his features.
He wanted nothing more than to dispose quickly of the man before him, however his interest was peaked and wanted to know more of the man in front of him.
Atem crossed his arms and gave a nod. " You may stand prisoner."
Marik stepped closer to the man, to make sure his hands were still tied behind his back. Seeing that they were secure, Marik also nodded and said, " You heard your king stand!"
The man rose to stand, his head was bowed and he gave a scoff, " He's no king to me."
Grunts of indignation came from the Guardians, " How dare you say such a thing! " Seto stepped forward pointing his Millennium Rod furiously at the prisoner. " He is the King of Egypt which means he is your ruler!" The Millennium Rod began to glow.
" Seto!" Atem briskly turned to face him," Calm yourself! This man does have the right to speak, does he not?" Seto lowered his arm, the Millennium Rod losing its glow.
" Yes, My Pharaoh."
" Very Good then," Atem turned back to the prisoner." Judgment will be passed when I receive a proper explanation from him, Understood?" Seeing nods out the corner of his eye he placed his full attention on the prisoner.
The dark tendrils that were slithering around had receded back into his aura, now just a purplish-black wave was coming from him. Which showed how in control he was of his power.
" Now I have a few questions for you, and it would do you well to answer." Atem said.
The man's head was still bowed, his hair shielding his eyes from view but he gave a 'hmpfh' sound.
Atem raised a eyebrow, locking his arms behind his back he started to pace around the man.
" What is your name?" He started.
The man gave a chuckle, amused at the question. " Abasi."
" Abasi? What an odd name," Abasi tensed, he must of thought that to be an insult." Where are you from Abasi?"
" I'm from this region of course, I reside within the town your palace is based." Abasi said lightly.
Atem narrowed his eyes at Abasi he was tired of this man already and he just began the interrogation.
" Do not lie to me!" Atem shouted, " It is clear from your speech pattern, features and crimes that you are not from this area."
Abasi finally raised his head his own eyes narrowing from being yelled at. He smirked, " I see your beginning to lose your composure Pharaoh," Seeing the guardian name Marik approaching him he decided to answer, he couldn't risk being sent back to the dungeons. Not until he got what he wanted.
He shrugged, " If you must know, I'm from a village called Ahkmun, its a weeks ride to get there from here."
" Ahkmun? I don't believe I've been to that village."
" I'm not surprised, it's not like you actually care whats going on outside your own domain!"
Isis stepped forward, " That's not true! Our Pharaoh cares more than anyone what happens to Egypt, that include every village and town. He is an honorable ruler."
Mahad grabbed Isis's hand pulling her back. Isis gave a deep breath, " I apologize my king, I only wanted to defend your name. Please continue."
Atem gave a slight smile in Isis's direction, " It's quite alright Isis," He turned back to Abasi his face changing to one of complete detest. His eyes getting redder again.
" Abasi, I do not know nor do I care as to why you speak such non sense but I shall have you know that I care about all of Egypt, your village included, However," Atem's Millennium Eye began to glow brightly on his forehead, " You are not apart that any longer."
Abasi looked frightened for a moment not understanding where this pulse of power come from. But still put on a calm facade, he couldn't show that he was worried.
He gave a shaky laugh," Oh I'm more apart of this Kingdom than you think, pharaoh."
" What are you saying?" Atem implored.
Abasi continued on amused with the conversation, " What I'm saying is that You, me and this whole kingdom are connected." He shrugged nonchalantly, " I hold certain blood ties I should say."
" Blood ties?" Atem questioned, " What in Rah's name are you talking about?"
Abasi smirked, his eyes showing pleasure in what he was about to reveal.
" Tell me Pharaoh," Abasi looked around, taking in the elaborate throne room and the nonplussed expressions on the guardians faces, ' All of this should be mine' He thought.
"Were you aware of your fathers, how should I say?...Amorous behavior?"
" What are you getting at?" Atem asked.
" Ah, So you do know!" Abasi chuckled.
Atem just shrugged, he knew of his father's activities with other women besides his mother. It was no kept secret, he would often catch his father in bed with another woman when his mother wasn't around and the extended trips he would make to other regions, villages and nations were testament enough.
It wasn't uncommon for pharaohs to take multiple wives or have concubines, it was actually expected of them but their was only one queen, and that was his mother.
Atem knew his father loved his mother and she loved his father, regardless of his often romps with other women and still stayed by his side. It wasn't until her untimely death that he finally stopped his ways.
Still this had nothing to do with why this man was spouting such non sense. ' Wait...Of course!' Atem smirked, he had a feeling he knew where this was going, and if this man thinks hes going to get anywhere with such claims he will be sadly mistaken.
The Guardians all watched with anxious gazes at the scene unfolding. They too were slowly coming to grasp what was about to transpire and they could only feel pity for the fool who came with such hope to only soon be struck down mercilessly.
" Perhaps I do, your point?" Atem asked unfazed.
Abasi lost his smirk, here he was about to reveal life changing facts and the pharaoh still remained calm and unperturbed. 'That will soon change..'
" Well, years ago about the time after you were born, your father was visiting the village of Ahkmun...I suppose over some trivial matters, mother didn't say." He shrugged.
" Continuing on, it seemed during his stay there he became entranced by an alluring woman." His eyes glinted as he stared Atem in the eye. " She was my mother."
Atem crossed his arms in front of his chest, he was growing rather bored of this man. He wanted nothing more right now than to be with his beloved Mana and holding her in his warm embrace, as he told her the day's events. Sharing a laugh over a cup of wine and indulging in each others presence.
Marik could sense his pharaohs hostility growing, " Out with it Abasi! You were not brought her before us to tell the king a tale! State your purpose and be done."
Abasi gave a slight growl of irrataion, " I was getting to that Gaurdian!" He turned back to Atem who was staying silent and merely observing, almost like he was waiting for something he knew was coming.
Nonetheless he continued on he couldn't give up after getting so far. " Anyways, I'm sure your aware of what happens next, Hmm?" Abasi let out a forced laugh, " He bedded her and soon after left her in that village, as though she was nothing more than a common whore." He bit out angrily.
Seto gave out a light chuckle, finding this whole thing amusing. " She might as well been, if your story is true and this did happen around the time of our great pharaohs birth. Then everyone in Egypt was aware of the fact that we had a queen! Including your mother."
"Yes, and if she spread her legs for the king, knowing she will never hold title for queen then she is a fool and a whore." Bakura finished.
"How dare you!" Abasi began to struggle against his restraints, wanting to break free and attack the man who called his mother a whore. " She still didn't deserve to be treated that way! That so called king left her poor and undesirable with a child in her belly!"
" Still a whore." Bakura smirked.
Mahad gave a disapproving glance at Bakura, even though he thought Abasi was being irrational and was quite deluded. Bakura was still a Sacred Guardian which meant he should not speak such words so openly.
" Enough!" Atem bellowed, his cape swishing around as he stepped forward his arm outstretched. " Get on with the point Abasi Now!"
Abasi shook forward, snapping his jaws in animalistic manner. " I am that child! I am the son of Ahknumkanon and your half brother! I should be the one sitting on that throne! Not you! Me! King Abasi!" He began to calm down, now that he finally said what he had to say there was nothing stopping him from obtaining his birthright, " Now, how's that for a twist?" His lips tilted up in a sly smirk.
' Oh my Rah! Atem has a brother? And he never told me!' Mana thought angrily, Wait she was being ridiculous. It seemed Atem himself just found out that he had one.
' But still why come out now and say it?' It made no sense, Atem is already ruler of Egypt and he's not going anywhere anytime soon, at least not if she can help it.
And as Abasi made clear, he was born from a random romp the previous pharaoh had with his mother. Which would mean he's only Atem's Half Brother. And as much as she would hate to say it, but that would also mean he was a bastard. Someone that was never supposed to be in existence.
Therefore, this man holds no right to any throne nor should he be making such claims! And how dare he insult her beloved Atem? She wished she could go down there and slap some sense into that man.
Looking down, she began to get a little dizzy.' On second thought..Atem can handle him..' She's been up there way too long. She sighed and continued to watch, there was nothing more she could do.
But then she began to notice how eerily quiet it became after Abasi's declaration. No one was saying a thing, she looked at all the guardians, noting Priest Setos amused look, and a saw that they were all watching Atem. As though waiting for a command to pounce or for him to say anything. Abasi also looked apprehensive like he just became aware of what exactly he had gotten himself into.
Mana studied Atem's expression. He shared the same look of amusement that Priest Seto has. Almost like he knew what was going to happen and was just goading this man on. She began to get the feeling that he's been through something like this before.
Abasi was confused. Here he just revealed such startling news and the pharaoh was acting as if he heard it all before. But that would be impossible right? He had made sure too keep a low profile until he was ready to execute his plans. But looking upon the faces of everyone in the room they all seemed amused and unperturbed. This was making no sense!
He put on a triumphant face. " Well? I told you the big news now yo-"
" Shut your mouth." Atem interrupted. He began to walk around Abasi slowly, his cape dragging behind him as he contemplated what to say next.
" What! I-" Abasi was again cut off.
" I thought I said shut up!" Atem was in front of Abasi faster than anyone could blink. He abruptly reached out and gripped his throat in his right hand, he began to lift Abasi up about an inch from the floor showing amazing arm strength.
Atem raised his face up so he could look Abasi straight into his eyes. " You really thought that you could come to my kingdom, rob my father's tomb and make claims that you are of relation to me?"
Abasi struggled against his hold, but that only made Atem hold on tighter. " But I am speaking the truth! I am of relation to you! I deserve to be in this kingdom!" He rasped out.
Atem chuckled and shook his head. He lowered Abasi back to the ground but did not release him. " Oh I do believe you, as you see I can tell when some one is being dishonest and so can some of my guardians." He gestured to them. " But you see Abasi," He released him of his vice grip. Abasi rubbed at his throat, feeling the indents of Atem's fingers.
" You are not the first one to come here with such claims, and quite honestly I doubt you will be the last." Atem said bitterly.
Abasi was once again confused. What the hell was this man talking about as far as he was concerned only Atem was the offspring of Anhknamkanon. Besides himself of course.
" Now don't look so confused Abasi," Atem laughed darkly at his face. " After all you were right about my father being quite the promiscuous one." He gave a grimace at that. " Which of course would lead to some unfortunate factors such as a child being produced." Atem looked at Mahad expectantly, also noting just now that he was present.
Mahad caught Atem's look and moved to stand before him. He cleared his throat before he began.
" You see Abasi," He said his name with detest." You are not the first to come here and proclaim to be of relation to out pharaoh." He nodded at Abasi's surprised look. " Yes, and they were all telling the truth. But here's the problem with you and those before you, previous statements."
As Mahad was talking, Atem was watching the expressions change across Abasi's face. Sometimes it would confusion then anger and then surprise. Atem narrowed his eyes, this man was such a fool. Even if he were to rule instead of him, this man would surely run his kingdom into the ground. And he would never let that happen.
" Our Pharaoh is and will only be the true ruler of Egypt until he resigns or produces an heir. His mother was the queen of Egypt which gives him complete birthrights. You and the others were born as a mistake...a-" He was cut off.
" A bastard." Priest Seto finished for him.
Mahad turned to glare Seto, " Yes, that." He looked back at Abasi waiting for his response.
" Then what has happened to the others?" Abasi asked.
Bakura decided to answer that, " They were disposed of, of course." At Abasi's widened eye's he rolled his own. " Don't look so shocked. You think they came here peacefully wanting to discuss matters over a bout of wine?" He shook his head, his silver tresses swing about enchantingly. " Obviously not. And you, Abasi are no different than them." He said murderously.
Abasi began to back up slowly, but was stopped by Marik's harsh grip on his shoulder. " W-W-What?" Abasi stuttered. He was starting to realize how bad of an idea this was.
Atem grinned darkly, he was glad this fool finally realized what a mistake he made by challenging him. And now he was going to suffer the consequences.
" Mahad, step back. You too Marik. I don't want you in the way of this."
Marik and Mahad nodded and stepped back in line with the other guardians.
" Are you sure you don't want us to handle this filth, pharaoh?" Bakura eyed the now frightened man with contempt.
Atem walked towards like he was stalking his prey. " No, I believe this fool deserves the utmost punishment, delivered by my hands." Atem lifted his finger to Abasi's chin, lifting it up as he whispered harshly in his face. " How would you like you experience, just a sliver of a true pharaohs power?"
Abasi jerked his head out of Atem's touch. He was beginning to get frightened, he knew he should of listened to his mother. Stealing from a pharaohs tomb and then challenging the true son for the throne? Oh, why in Rah's name didn't he think this through.
All of a sudden the air began to grow colder, almost like it did when Atem was angered earlier. But it was more severe this time and absolutely intentional.
The room began to become immersed in a dark abyss, it was if they were in a whole new place and not in the golden throne room. The only indication that they still were was that the throne was still clear as day radiating a powerful aura.
Everyone's Millennium Items began to glow brightly in the darkness seeming to give off power to Atem's Millennium Puzzle. The dark tendrils became animate again, but instead of creeping along the walls they encircled Atem in a almost loving embrace. It was if they were acknowledging him as their master, bending to his will.
Abasi looked around wildly not understanding what was going on or what was happening. But he did know that they all were linked to this one man, this one person was controlling all of this. But how? How could he acquire such power? Abasi started shaking, his eye's darting around, he looked to the Guardians for help. But they were all watching with passive faces, seeming to only concentrate on their Millennium Items rather than him. But he did catch a quick glimpse of Bakura and Seto's pleased faces. Even the old man, who he realized hadn't said a word this whole time, was watching with a approving gaze.
He looked back at Atem, and jumped when he saw him staring right at him with blood thirsty red eye's and he saw a golden third eye appear out of nowhere on his forehead. He heard him begin to mutter a mystic chant and he realized this was the end. He only had one option left and that was to beg for his life.
He dropped to his knees, having a hard time balancing himself since his hands were still tied behind his back. But that didn't matter now.
" Please...Please! Let me go! Spare me! I give you my word that I will never come to your kingdom again! I even offer to exile myself! Just please have mercy on me!"
Atem finished his chant of darkness. Everything was in place now all he had to do was say the words. He was vaguely aware of the man begging for his life at his feet. He paid him no mind, he came looking for a altercation and he got one.
" Abasi, son of a whore, bastard child of my father Ankhnamkanon, have came to my kingdom seeking power that is wholly mine. You stole from my father's sacred tomb and has therefore already damned yourself to hell. You invaded my home and put my people in danger, lastly you insulted me, the pharaoh. And you dare beg me for mercy?" He chuckled darkly." You should ask Osiris that when you meet him."
Abasi's eyes widened fearfully. " Noo!"
Atem thrust his arm out towards Abasi, " The door of darkness has been opened!"
There was a strong rush of wind, that blew everyone's clothes and hair around. It was as though a door was actually being opened.
A loud scream pierced through the air, it was from Abasi as he collapsed and began to roll around on the floor in despair and agony. He kept screaming and screaming until suddenly he stopped. He appeared to be dead as he laid there completely immobile, until he suddenly started to twitch and have a horrific spasm. His body cracked and twisted in unfathomable ways when finally he just stopped.
He was foaming at the mouth and had a glazed over look in his eyes. Atem looked on with disgust in his eyes, a sneer on his face he began to recite a nearly indecipherable chant.
" May Egypt be rid of this filth forever!" He finished.
A huge, dark whole of endlessness appeared in the middle of the floor and started to close in on the paralyzed man in the middle. It outlined around his body and black tendrils shot out to grasp at the man. It pulled him down into the dark abyss until there was no sign of him left.
The dark hole disappeared and along with it the shadows of darkness that covered the room, leaving it as it was before, the golden throne room of the pharaoh.
A silence passed over everyone in the room, The guardians were all stunned at the immense power that their pharaoh had produced. They were not strangers to his powers but this time it was more frightening. It was as though the gods themselves were present in this judgment.
The silence was broken when Atem started stumbling a bit, he was clutching his head and had a slight grimace on his face. " Thank you, Gods." He whispered.
The guardians all rushed to him and started looking him over for injuries, ' My Pharaohs' and 'Are you alright?' were coming from every direction.
Atem waved them off and placed a smirk on his face, " It's nothing, I just seemed to have over exerted myself a bit." He walked back to his throne and sat down, taking a deep breath he closed his eyes and calmed himself down.
Once he felt the shadows of darkness fade from his essence and the power of the gods dissipate, he opened his eyes and looked at his guardians. He was grateful to have such loyal people to call his comrades and protectors.
" Your eye color...it has returned." Isis said astonished.
Atem blinked, " So it has." He ran a hand through his hair thinking of the day's events.
" Yes, and the dark energies have died down." Mahad put in.
" I'm just glad that nuisance is gone," Seto said in his usual annoyed manner.
" How dare he intrude upon the palace and make such bold claims!"
Bakura nodded in agreement, " Yes, when me and Marik encountered him in the dungeons after the guards caught him, he was too confident and he seemed as if he had some sort of news to be told." Bakura made a fist," Of course he wouldn't reveal it to us, so we or rather I went about trying to 'convince' him." He gave a crooked smile thinking of the torture's he gave to Abasi.
Marik placed his hand on Bakura's shoulder and shook his head, " And that still didn't give us any answers Bakura. You really need to learn proper restraint."
Bakura gave a glare to Marik and shrugged his hand off of him. " And you need to learn to stop being so lenient! They are prisoners for a reason Marik!"
" Bakura is right Marik, the moment you slip up is the moment that can spell disaster for us all." Said Seto.
Marik's eye twitched, he should of known Priest Seto would have something to say. He always does. " Please forgive me Priest Seto, but I believe I was talking to Bakura not you."
" What did you say?" Seto narrowed his eye's angrily.
Isis decided to interject before it got out of hand. " Okay, you three-"
Seto interrupted her, " You need to learn your place boy, being the youngest of us all also mean your the most inexperienced."
" I'm only a few summers younger than you! And your older than everyone here except Aknadin, so therefor everyone must seem ' inexperienced' to you!" Marik was getting louder with each word.
Seto gave his signature 'humpfh' sound, " Actually no, unlike you they have all shown their worth and dedication to the pharaoh and their roles." He stopped and looked at Mahad, who looked at him back with an annoyed expression. " Well except Mahad."
" Do not put me in your little squabble Seto."
"Oh?" Seto turned from Marik with flourish to glare accusingly at Mahad. " Your the head of security. And your men were not at their proper post now were they? Which allowed an intruder to get past." He shook his head, " You clearly don't have a handle on things."
Mahad narrowed his lavender eyes. He was tired of Seto always criticizing his work, and he seemed to try and always make sure it was in front the pharaoh. And everyone knows about him and the pharaoh's child hood friendship that lasted throughout the years. It seemed that Seto was jealous of that and would constantly try and make him look bad.
Nonetheless he was slightly right, he was the head of security and making sure problems like today didn't happen was his top priority.
" I am aware of that, and I have rectified the problem. It seemed that the guards placed on duty in that area were attacked from behind by who now know was Abasi, I have made sure too double the security around the walls and courtyards."
" Oh really?" He smirked, " I'll be sure of that when I checked them out for myself."
" Why you.." Mahad fist ed his right hand, and a swirling purple and gold mist starting emanating from him. It was quite like what happened to Atem, except Mahads power was like a mixture of both light and dark.
" This is getting out of hand!" Isis yelled, she stepped between Seto and Mahad, " Seto," She addressed him first. " Stop patronizing Mahad, he does his role well and has fixed the problem, leave. Him. Alone." Seto just crossed his arms and looked away. He never could stand up to Isis.
" Now Mahad," Isis turned to Mahad, her voice was much softer. " I know your angry but Seto didn't mean it," A scoff was heard. " So don't let it get to you." She smiled at him.
Mahad calmed down once Isis started talking to him. She always knew what to say and do to make him and everyone else feel better. " Your right, thank you Isis." He smiled back at her.
Bakura leaned his head back and groaned. " Oh Rah.."
Marik just eyed his sister and Mahad, there was something going on between those two and he wanted to know what.
Mana raised an eyebrow at the unusual scene going on below her. The feared guardians of the pharaoh, holding the highest ranks in Egypt and always took everything serious protectors were bickering and making fun of each other!
She always thought that they were so serious and mean looking. They never bothered to talk to others unless it was important. Though she can't be too sure of that since she never got to see them much. Servants were told to always stay of the way of nobles and anyone of royalty.
So this was a rare treat to see the guardians acting like common folk. She giggled a bit at Bakura when he started goading Isis and Mahad on their behavior. She could clearly tell that those two liked each other, maybe her and Mahad could talk about sometime. They were friends now...weren't they?
Mana leaned a bit closer to see why Atem wasn't saying anything, but saw that his eyes were closed and he was leaning on right arm. ' He must be drained from that...that whatever it was...' She really didn't know what that was that happened. But she did know that she never wanted to be on the receiving end of Atem's anger.
She was scared when the room had turned black, and Atem started emanating dark power. She noticed how only the guardians, Atem and the prisoner were the only people glowing. She supposed it was because they held Millennium Items and that the man was glowing because he was the one being persecuted.
Oh Rah, she shivered just thinking about what happened to the man only minutes before. That was the worst way to experience a death like that. She still couldn't get over the fact that, that was Atem's brother. ' Well half-brother...but still' She understood that what Abasi did and was trying to do was inexcusable but a better punishment such as becoming a slave or if he was lucky a servant would have been less...gruesome.
Though he was threatening Atem's right to the throne and she didn't want anything getting in the way of his birthright. So if he had to be eliminated to ensure Atem stay's pharaoh then so be it. Still she wondered how many other half-brother and sister's he had running around Egypt, and who knows where else, out there that would try and ruin Atem.
Atem also had a lot of explaining to do, about what he did and why he never told her about him having other siblings. She looked back down and saw that they were still arguing. Most likely over nothing. Honestly how did they ever get anything done?
She smiled sadly, how she wished she could be down there at Atem's side, comforting him and engaging in conversation with the guardians. Then her and Isis could stop the fighting between the males and laugh all about it later at dinner or in the royal bathing chambers.
She shook her head of such ideas and sighed. It was time for her to go, she was already intruding enough by being here. And she was sure she was in trouble with the head servant for not finishing the dining room. She turned to leave, crawling on her hands and knees.
" Look up there! Intruder!' The voice of Marik rang out.
Mana stopped immediately her eye's went wide in fear. She got caught! Oh no...what should she do? She was turned slightly, so they can't see her face. Maybe she could hurry back down and run to her room before they catch her?
No, that wouldn't work, she would look suspicious running down the halls away from the Throne room. Mana gulped, realizing she had no other option but to turn around and face her capture. Then with a blush, she also realized that her behind was in the air, and her tunic was rather short. She quickly turned around, placing her hands on her back thighs to smooth down her tunic. She gave a nervous smile at the guardians all standing below her. And they looked dangerous.
Atem snapped open his eyes immediately when he heard Marik's yell of 'intruder'. He quickly rose from his throne and hastily walked to where his guardians where all collected. He wondered why they haven't attack yet, usually they would have already secured the intruder within seconds.
Looking up, he saw why they weren't attacking outright. It seemed it was a girl, judging from her curves and height. And from the looks of her clothes she was a servant or perhaps a slave. But Slaves weren't allowed in the palace unless permitted by a noble. And their clothing was usually a lot more tattered.
Regardless if it is a girl or not, she is not supposed to be here. And must be punished for her impudence. He was about to tell Seto to get her down, using force if necessary, but then the girl turned around and he gasped.
Emerald eyes outlined in kohl stared down at them in fright, almond colored hair swayed as she moved and he could almost smell her natural fragrance of vanilla and honey.
"Mana.." He whispered in disbelief.
Mana heard her name being called, despite how low it sounded. She turned her head and saw Atem staring right at her in disbelief and surprise. ' Oh no..' she though worridly. She was in trouble if Atem saw her and now he did.
Oddly though, she saw his expression change from confusion to happiness. ' Well maybe I won't be in as much trouble as I tho-' She stopped her train of thought when she saw his fleeting face of happiness turn into a face of complete anger.
" MANA!"
Now, she was in big trouble. 'Oh, Goddess Isis, God Osiris and Rah, help me.'
A/N- Whooo! I am so glad I got this finished! How long did this take me? Two weeks? Yeah...Well give or take a few days since it was 4th of July and I had plans of course. But yes, I am sorry for the wait! This story is fairly new so I don't want to lose the handle on my story and it's uploading time. But Rah if you must know what took me so long, well it was because of the damn HEAT! Like seriously it is so hot! And I live in California, so you know its hot as hell out here. And because of this heat, it makes it hard to for me too get comfortable and write. Seriously, I'm not very happy with this chapter. I felt as though some things got jumbled up, ugh but then again a writer is never satisfied. Though I am happy with how the ending scene turned out :) I really wanted to show the kind relationship the guardians all have with each other. I'd say it's a hate/love thing but they know they would take a spear to the head for one another. Especially Atem.
Facts- I don't believe there's anything to explain this time...Just never piss off a pharaoh?
A/A/N- So, my inspiration for this chapter comes from my new favorite Anime, Code Geass! This show is awesome! I first knew about from watching the abridged version of it called Code MENT( hilarious by the way, check it out) and I was like I need to watch this! I did and it was sketchy for me at first but then I grew to love it. Lelouch is soo sexy! Actually he was who I based Abasi off, so it kinda pained me to kill him -tear- -tear-. And the whole Father sleeping with other women, resulting in half-brothers and sisters, and they want to take the throne of Egypt themselves idea came from Code Geass as well. Though I already had this planned...the show just put it in perspective for me.
Well thanks for reading and please reviews! Much Love :3