Yu-Gi-Oh!

The Return of a King

Chapter 7:

Healing wounds and friendly faces

By Atem's count, he had been at the hospital for nearly two days, only leaving Ishizu's room to eat or shower. Of course, he had notified Daisuke and had taken an extended leave of absence from work. And, as usual, the highlights of his time spent here was talking with Ishizu during the brief periods when she awoke. And, as expected, he heard a knock at the door that broke him from his thoughts.

"Come in." Atem spoke softly. Hearing the door creak open, he could only smile as he heard two voices speak.

"Odion, that voice sounds familiar. Where have I heard it before?" He heard Marik ask the taller man, who voiced his own confusion as well. "I do not know, Marik, but yes, it does sound familiar. As the two walked into the room, Atem suppressed a laugh at the shocked faces and gaping mouths of the two Egyptians.

"It's certainly nice to see you two as well. Marik, Odion." Atem bowed his head lightly in greeting, an amused smile still gracing his features. Marik, of course, was the first to speak as he approached cautiously, obviously unsure if the person before him was real or not.

"But… It can't be, can it? Is it you, my Pharaoh?"

Rising from the chair, Atem smiled as he stepped toward Marik, slightly surprised as both of the young former tomb keepers fell to a knee in front of him, their arms crossed over their chests in the traditional sign of respect for their Pharaoh. Placing a hand on the men's shoulders, Atem spoke softly. "Rise, my friends. There is no need to bow to me. After all, I am Pharaoh no longer. Besides, your sister needs you."

Suddenly remembering their purpose here, both Marik and Odion rose to their feet, moving to stand beside Ishizu, Marik calling out softly, his voice nearly betraying his age; sounding almost like a lost young boy desperately searching for her, which made Atem's heart ache. 'Sister? Can you hear me, Ishizu?"

At her brother's words, Atem saw Ishizu stir slightly as she called out. "Marik? Is that you, little brother?" As her eyes opened, Ishizu smiled as she saw Marik standing over her. "Forgive me, brother. I'd embrace you, but I'm afraid that my injuries make that impossible for the moment."

Smiling happily, Marik rested a hand on Ishizu's shoulder. "Think nothing of it, big sister. Odion and I are just grateful to still have you with us."

Turning to smile fondly at Atem, Ishizu smiled. "Well, you can thank Atem for that." At Ishizu's words, Atem was slightly caught off guard, looking to her questioningly. "Oh, don't give me that look, dearest. If you had not rescued me and my assistants from that car, who knows what shape I would be in now?"

Smiling fondly back at Ishizu, Atem chuckled, tilting his head in reluctant agreement with his beloved. "Marik and I will leave you to rest, Ishizu. We do have much to catch up on." Turning to Odion, Atem asked, "Can you keep watch for me, Odion? Marik and I won't be long."

Nodding, Odion smiled. "Of course, sir." Bowing his head in thanks, Atem motioned for Marik to follow him as they left the room, and it was Marik who spoke first. "So, you and my big sister, huh? I honestly can't say I didn't see this coming."

Atem found himself surprised by this statement. "And why would that be, Marik?"

Marik could only chuckle at his question, still laughing softly as he spoke. "Well, it's quite obvious. Even before she took possession of the Millennium Necklace, she had heard stories of you passed down through the generations of our family, so she had become quite enamored with you from a young age. And learning of her past as one of your priests and closest advisors, witnessing certain events firsthand, only served to enhance her admiration for you."

Shaking his head, Atem mused aloud, "Were Ishizu and I the only ones oblivious to this development?"

"Yes." Marik simply affirmed with a slight nod, a trace of amusement in his voice.

"I wonder how Ishizu's doing." Looking to Téa, who sat beside him, Yugi smiled. "Should I call the others so we can go pay her a visit?"

Téa simply nodded in agreement, as it had been a long time since she had seen Ishizu. "That's a great idea, Yugi. Just let me run and grab a few things. Tell the others to meet here in an hour."

Nodding as Téa left, Yugi pulled out his phone and initiated a group call with Joey, Serenity and Tristan. As soon as they were all on the line, Yugi smiled. "Hey, guys. Téa and I are planning to stop by the hospital to see Ishizu and were wondering if you'd like to join us?" After everyone else had chimed in their agreement, Yugi grinned. "Great! We'll all meet at my place in an hour."

Soon after Atem and Marik's conversation, the doctor had come by to fit Ishizu with a temporary back brace to support her spine in order for her to be able to sit comfortably. However, he stressed that she should not start walking until they could run a few mobility tests to be sure that there was no damage to her nervous system, after which they would begin some general physical therapy to ensure that she still retained complete use of her legs.

As, even though hairline fractures do heal relatively quickly as opposed to a completely broken spine, there is always a danger of possible minor nerve damage. Once the bed had been raised so that Ishizu was sitting comfortably, Atem reached into the portable cooler he'd brought that morning, handing it to Ishizu, along with a spoon. "I know it's your favorite, and I figured you could use some right now." Pulling out a small canister, he opened it and poured the slightly steaming liquid into the bowl.

"Om Ali? Atem, by Ra, you're going to spoil me, dearest."

"Well, I do my best." Atem said with a chuckle.

As she took the first bite, Ishizu felt her eyes widen, a deep, contented sigh escaping her lips as she swallowed, her eyes sliding shut. "Atem, if I didn't know better, I'd swear my mother had given you her recipe."

"I'm glad you like it, Ishizu." Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And trust me, there's plenty more where that came from." Pulling back, Atem found himself momentarily transfixed by the look in Ishizu's eyes, swallowing hard as he heard her speak.

"And trust me, my love. Once my injuries are properly healed, I will make sure that you are rewarded for this…"

"Ugh, sister, I did not need that image, thank you!" Marik exclaimed to a laugh from Odion. Ishizu retorting with a simple, "Oh, hush, Marik, you're old enough."

As Yugi and the gang reached the hospital, Yugi walked up to the reception desk. "We're here to see Ishizu Ishtar. Is she able to receive visitors at the moment?" After getting confirmation from the receptionist, as well as the room number, Yugi motioned for the others to follow him. As they reached her room, Yugi heard conversations coming from inside. "Looks like she already has company." Knocking politely, Yugi heard Atem call for them to enter.

As they walked into the room, the group was met with the sight of not only Atem, but Marik and Odion as well, Atem speaking happily. "Well, looks like everyone came to say hello." Looking toward Marik and Odion, Yugi nodded politely, making his way over to Ishizu. "I'm sorry our reunion had to be under such unpleasant circumstances, Ishizu. But, we're all hoping you'll recover soon."

"Thank you, Yugi. And thank you to everyone. I'm glad we could all see each other again, as well. Thankfully, the doctors say that my recovery shouldn't take too long." Ishizu smiled at the assembled group as Atem spoke.

"Which reminds me, Ishizu. I spoke to the director of the museum and he said not to worry about your work until you are fully healed and cleared to return by the hospital. All of your financial needs in the meantime will be taken care of, and I have his personal assurance that the bastard who made the attempt on your life will be apprehended and charged accordingly. Though, if I could, I'd like five minutes alone with the man."

Placing her hand on his arm in a gesture to calm his anger, Ishizu smiled softly. "Relax, my dearest. Five millennia could not separate us. What makes you think a mortal could even hope to try?"

Nodding in agreement, Atem smiled as he took her hand. "As usual, my love, you are right."

A/N: I decided to throw in a bit of comedy between Ishizu and Marik to lighten up the scene. Personally, I find it interesting to show a bit more of a sensual and playful side to Ishizu and, as any younger sibling would react in that situation, Marik's discomfort at Ishizu being so openly flirtatious and suggestive is hilarious, I find. Also, Om Ali, which is described as being Ishizu's favorite food, is a sort of raisin nut cake. Almost like an Egyptian bread pudding, which is soaked in milk and served hot.