Yu-Gi-Oh!
The Return of a King
Chapter 3:
Of Conversations, and the Flames of an Ancient Love Rekindled
Pulling up to the steps of the museum about five minutes later, Atem parked his bike and climbed off. Ascending the steps, he walked into the lobby of the building and up to the receptionist. "Good evening. I'm here to meet Miss Ishtar."
No sooner had these words left his mouth then he heard that unforgettably melodic voice to his right. "Atem?"
Smiling, Atem turned. "Hello, Isis."
Looking over her choice of outfit, he noticed that it was the same that she had worn at Battle City. "You look absolutely stunning."
Bowing in thanks, Ishizu smiled. "Thank you, Atem."
Nodding, Atem held out his arm. "Are you ready to go?"
Ishizu smiled as she looped her arm through his, her other hand resting on his bicep, trying to fight off her blush as she noticed how well defined his musculature was, suddenly wondering how defined the rest of him was.
'No! Bad Ishizu! This is not the time to think of such things.' Walking out of the building with him, she looked at him as he climbed onto the bike, suddenly remembering her brother. "Atem, are you certain that such a vehicle is safe?"
Chuckling softly, Atem nodded. "It will be perfectly fine, Isis. I promise. Just hold on to me, alright?"
Nodding hesitantly, Ishizu climbed onto the machine behind him as Atem handed her his helmet and started the engine, fighting a gasp as it roared to life. Wrapping her arms around his torso, Ishizu gasped audibly as she discovered just how well defined he truly was.
Unknown to her, Atem had thoughts of his own running through his head as they mentally voiced their thoughts. 'Oh, Ra...'
Pulling his thoughts together, Atem smiled, as he kicked the bike into gear, speeding off toward the restaurant, chuckling as Ishizu screamed in a mixture of terror and delight, clinging tighter to him.
Pulling up to the restaurant, Atem parked the bike and turned the engine off, helping Ishizu off. Pulling the helmet off, Ishizu handed it back to Atem as he stowed it in the compartment, smiling as she slipped her veil and headpeice back on. Extending his arm once again, Ishizu gladly looped hers into it.
Walking into the restaurant, the two stepped up to the desk as Atem announced their arrival, Ishizu glancing around at the very expensive restaurant. After confirming their reservations, the receptionist took two menus and led them to their table.
As they sat down, Ishizu spoke softly. "Atem, you didn't have to do all of this..." Smiling, Atem shook his head. "Well, for a revelation of this magnitude, I thought it appropriate. Besides, I won't settle for anything but the best when you're involved."
As they finished their meal sometime later, Ishizu finally voiced her question. "So, Atem, why is it that you are here when, by all accounts, you should not be?"
Smiling, Atem looked into her eyes. "Well, Isis, before I explain, I ask that you be prepared."
Through the next hour, Atem told her of his experience and the gift that he had received. When he was finished, Ishizu could barely contain herself. "So, Ra himself informed you that your new life is a gift for the service you've done in ensuring Zorc's destruction?"
Nodding, Atem smiled. "That's correct. I am completely free to live my life as I wish. Though Lord Ra did warn me that my life will not be without challenges, which I anticipated and accept."
Managing to control her joy, Ishizu smiled broadly. "I am so happy for you, Atem. You may finally live the life you were never able to."
Nodding, Atem also expressed his gratitude. "I am happy as well."
Turning, Atem noticed that the lights had dimmed and a small dance floor had been set up. Turning, he stood, offering his hand to Ishizu, which she gladly took as he led her to the floor.
As they stepped onto the floor, Atem grinned devilishly as he slid an arm around her waist, drawing the woman's lithe body to his, holding her in a manner which, to any outside viewer would seem a bit possessive, and though she noticed, Ishizu noticed that she could not bring herself to care.
As they waltzed around the floor, Ishizu could not help but bask in her joy. The man that she had grown to love throughout their previous lifetime, as well as this one, had returned. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she placed her head on his broad shoulder, reveling in their closeness, slowly inhaling the spice of his cologne.
Looking up at him, she spoke softly. "Atem?"
Looking down at her, he smiled. "Yes, Isis?"
Building up her courage, Isis reached up and placed her hand on his cheek as she leaned up and lightly brushed her lips against his own. Pulling back quickly, Ishizu stuttered "I-I'm sorry, Atem. I don't-"
She was suddenly cut off by his lips pressed against hers, his arms holding her to him. Startled, Ishizu slowly began to realize what was happening as her arms encircled his neck as she silently thanked Ra for him.
As they pulled away, Ishizu blushed heavily, beginning to speak. "Atem, I-" She was suddenly stopped by a finger to her lips.
"You don't need to say anything, Isis. I love you too. I've loved you for millennia. I'm just so sorry that I had to regain my memories for me to realize it once again..." Laughing softly, Ishizu touched a finger to his lips.
"Hush, my King. My love. Now is not the time to reflect on the past. Now is the time to look to the future. Our future." Nodding, Atem bent down, pulling her to him in a passionate kiss as the song faded.
Noticing a karaoke machine near the DJ's booth, Atem smirked as he lead Ishizu back to their table, lifting her hand to his lips as he spoke. "I think you'll enjoy this, my dear. Or, I hope you do." With that, Atem swiftly made his way through the crowd toward the machine.
Ishizu, watching him in confusion, could only wonder what he was up to, a slender brow raising as she saw him pass a CD to the attendant before he picked up the microphone, the faint sounds of what she knew to be a harp floating from the speakers.
Smiling in Ishizu's direction, Atem winked as his baritone voice flowed through the speakers in yet more flawless Kemetic.
Sister without rival,
most beautiful of all,
she is as Sothis when it rises
at the start of the fine New Year
Perfect, bright and shining is her skin,
seductive are her eyes when she glances
When she speaks, her lips are sweet
and never a word too many
Slender neck, shining body,
her hair is true lapis
her arms outshine the finest gold
her fingers are like the petals of the lotus flower
Gracefully she walks upon the earth
Sister without rival,
most beautiful of all
She has stolen my heart with her embrace
She has made the necks of every man
turn round at the sight of her
He who embraces her is a happy man,
he is the most fortunate of lovers
For he has seen her in her glory
And known her as the Goddess.
Stepping away from the machine, Atem walked back toward Ishizu, ignoring the confused patrons of the restaurant. As he reached their table, Atem could see that Izhizu was wiping away tears. "Have I upset you, Ishizu?"
Momentarily stunned as Ishizu stood and abruptly pulled him into an embrace, her slender arms wrapped around his neck as he heard her speak. "No, my dearest. You honor me far more than I could expect."
"I am glad, my love." Smiling, Atem leaned down to capture Ishizu's lips in a deep, loving kiss.
A/N: Here's the next chapter. Finally, these two figure it out. Heh. I'd like to thank everyone for their reviews. I have the next two chapters written already, though they may need some revising before I post them. Also, a note concerning the song Atem sang for Ishizu. The song is taken from an Ancient Egyptian love song inscribed on a papyrus from the period of Rameses. 'Sothis' is the Kemetic term for the star now called Sirius, which was considered a very important star to the Ancient Egyptians. Also, Atem referring to Ishizu as 'sister' may seem strange, but keep in mind that it was a common practice among Ancient Egyptian couples. The man would call his beloved "sister of my soul", or simply "sister". The woman would, in turn, call him "brother of my spirit". If you'd like to hear an audio rendition of the song I used, PM me for details. I will admit that the audio rendition for this song is what jumpstarted my muse for this story.