Marium shuddered mentally as she and Yami stood in front of the stone tablet, it was right here that he could fully regain his lost memories and yet... she didn't want him to. Something that surprised her deeply, since after all she wanted the him she knew before back but- was it worth making him relive old bad memories? He suffered once and she wasn't that cruel. That and did she truly want to be with those snobby people back at the palace? Just being near them and hearing them grated on her nerves but for him she would do it, speaking of-
"I think I'm forgetting something" Marium's brows furrowed before feeling his hand holding hers, regardless if people were watching. Startled she looked to see him focused on her.
"Are you okay?" Yami asked with a concerned look that made her heart not only melt from the kind gesture but it made her heart skip a beat, just knowing that he was worried about her made Marium smile before realising that it wasn't the time to be distracted so she cleared her throat.
"Hmm hmm, never better" she said in a semi chipper voice that didn't convince him one bit but allowed it to slide this once.
"Good luck pharaoh" Joey said while Marium smiled shakily as Joey turned to look at her "you to Rina" sadly another thing she had to hide from the others- her true name from Yugi and Myra's friends. Yami despite knowing kept it quiet for her, having a feeling that she wanted things hidden a while longer.
"Thank you Joey" she said with a semi genuine semi nervous smile before the spirits looked at the tablet.
"When you're ready Yami" she said shakily after exhaling, Marium felt Myra's encouraging aura that allowed her to have more strength given that she also had the chance to see her family again even if it was brief.
When she saw light emanating from the tablet she soon felt her spirit being pulled towards it.
"Myra!" Tristan yelled causing Marium who was moving further away to blink in confusion, what was going on?
"Why isn't she waking up? Myra? Myra?!" Yugi's frantic voice worried her but her mind soon drifted into a deep sleep. Before Marium knew it the sound of cheering entered her ears, which in turn meant one thing- Yami's coronation day.
Opening her eyes Marium could see that she was standing in front of a water filled bowl that showed her reflection which revealed her to have long messy hair that was tied up into a high ponytail with a gold band clasping it in place. She wore a white dress with a blue stoned scarab on the center of her chest, she also wore bracelets on her upper arm and wrists while wearing sandals. To Marium's dismay the moment she exhaled after releasing the nervous breath she had kept inside, her body now felt slightly heavier than when she had borrowed Myra's and almost grumbled as she tried to keep her back in order to prevent herself from falling forward due to the sudden weight she had to carry.
"I forgot I was pregnant with triplets..." Marium thought dryly as she tried to adjust to her old body. Groaning loudly Marium eyed the door, pushed a lock of long hair near her face and placed it behind her ear.
"Act normal" she muttered before pausing as she felt three sets of kicks, blinking she eyed her six month belly with a wry smile and placed a hand on it.
"Hello to you too" she smiled now feeling happy she could spend time with her little terrors, "let's go find your daddy" Marium said softly as she smiled even more as she walked out.
"My Queen!" a servant cried as she rushed towards Marium who blinked but remained smiling.
"Just going to find my husband or I'm going to be late for the ceremony" Marium explained kindly before walking away, three things she now hated when she was pregnant. One was the swollen ankles and two being forced to walk almost funny as if she had been kicked, lastly the unwanted attention and having to deal with people being on top of her when she wanted to do things.
"B-But your make up!" the servant cried as she chases after a mentally groaning Marium.
"I can survive without it, besides if I have to sit or stand any longer I will be very upset" Marium said while trying to keep herself calm. It wasn't the servant's fault, it was because of the nobles and other people who would be watching her. Then again she never cared for the stuff and Yami at times told her she looked beautiful without it which drove some people up the wall since he had encouraged it to much to their grief.
"I… still think that I'm missing something" Marium pondered as she placed a hand to her chin while walking.
Marium soon had the servant tending to the main room while walking towards the main part of the palace where the pharaohs would make an announcement as they faced their people, smiling she heard the people's voices get louder which meant that Yami had woken up or was doing something because she could not hear his voice. However once she nodded at the guards who were positioned over the area, she approached the high balcony to see Shimon and Yami. Only despite Shimon greeting her while bowing Marium's eyes immediately went towards Yami who looked petrified and pale to her surprise, to make it more surprising he was gawking at her like a fish out of water leaving her more baffled than before. What exactly happened?
"We're married?!" Yami cried startling her and Shimon, the elderly man looked at Yami while asking him if he was okay.
"Oh…" Marium blinked rapidly while staring at him while her hand was in front of her mouth.
"So that's what I forgot" she muttered faintly while staring at his expression, in a manner it did look funny and she did want to make a funny comeback but refrained from doing so in order to keep the others from being suspicious… however-
"Why darling!" Marium cried loudly while tilting her head softly causing her hair to move slightly, seeing this Yami blinked while Shimon looked at Yami with worry "don't tell me you've forgotten?" she asked while dragging some of her vowels to make it like she was drawling, hearing this Yumi twitched before eyeing her belly weakly.
"Apparently so" he muttered darkly before hearing her laughing at him mentally.
"Sorry dear, couldn't tell you even if I wanted to" Marium said to him mentally causing him to almost glare but kept his composure to prevent Shimon from finding out that he had no memory.
"How could I have forgotten… Marium?" Yami forced out his words as he semi twitched but was almost failing to stop himself from reacting, seeing this Marium smiled sweetly, at first Yami looked at her swollen belly. Just seeing it caused a swirl of emotions in knowing that she was in fact close to him as he expected but he had not anticipated THIS type of level of closeness, he had thought maybe they were in some kind of relationship due to how they behaved towards the other only now as he saw her in the world of memories. It seemed surreal and yet unreal, that this woman was actually not only his wife but the mother of his children. Yes he did have memories of hearing a girl getting angry about her mother who was not there for them and how he had ignored her however seeing Marium now in a way alive and well, it made him feel more protective than before. The urge to keep her safe entered him more than ever but knew that this was only a world of memories, the chances of this impacting the future were unlikely. Sure it would be like creating false scenario memories but he still now wondered what if, what if he hadn't sent her away? What if she survived? What if she hadn't been targeted? So many questions formed in his head but Marium could see every single one of those thoughts leaving her sad to know that he would do this to himself, placing her hand in his after walking towards him snapped Yami out of his daze.
"You cannot change anything, we can only learn and try to be better… besides" Marium looked away with a sad smile.
"You can't save what was meant to die" She said before pecking his stunned face.
"What do… you… mean?" Yami asked but Shimon had made the pair head towards the throne room. His eyes never left hers until he caught the sight of the millennium items that were either being held or worn by six other people. Helping Marium to her seat she thanked Yami before spotting some people.
"Mahad!" Marium waved politely "Isis, how are you two?" Marium greeted the pair who now walked towards them.
"We are fine my queen, how are you and the pharaoh?" a black haired man wearing a cream headgear on his head greeted before bowing.
"Mahad don't bow" Marium smiled before looking at them. "I'm fine, just tired and want the triplets to leave already" Marium laughed causing Isis a woman who looked exactly like Ishizu to giggle while Mahad smiled brightly until they saw a man wearing blue and white robes.
"Hello Seto, how have things been?" Marium greeted while Yami watched silently at how she interacted with these people, he was thankful that she was saying all these names because he had no idea of who they were. Some looked like people he knew in the modern day time and yet some do not so hearing them gave him time to assess each person.
"Everything is fine my queen, how are you my pharaoh?" Seto asked causing her to smile.
"So basically you've chosen to have no time to rest? Honestly Seto, please do think about your health sometimes" Marium smiled softly "it hurts me to see you not live sometimes, you do need time to live out the palace"
"As a wielder of the millennium rod I cannot, my duty is to protect my pharaoh and his queen" Seto said stiffly causing Marium to sigh.
"Even before you came here you've had no rest so Seto, after today I want you to take some time off. That's an order" she said to a now startled Seto, Mahad blinked in surprise while Isis smiled faintly knowing that Marium cared for everyone… except Aknadin who in turn Isis knew from the necklace hated Marium. Not openly of course however it was not hard to sense the resentment he carried from the fact that she was here, not only that but she was Ilayna's daughter. She had been on of the advisors to the pharaoh, not only she but a man that the previous king had not mentioned for various reasons. It was clear that Marium's loyalties would never lie with Aknadin which was what made the room sometimes uncomfortable. Despite proving time and time again that Marium herself was a dangerous force even without the items caused some to remain loyal to her to Aknadin's anger, something that Marium had told Isis from time to time.
"I have a feeling he will do something, I don't know when but it would be soon" Marium had told a now worried Isis who tried to use the necklace to gain answers but found none, at times Isis had spoken to Marium who stared at Isis calmly.
"One cannot always expect the future to be set in stone, it always changes based on the person. Sometimes they're predictable, sometimes… they are not" Marium told Isis, even after their talk Isis had been curious as to how and what made Marium wise until she found out why. Marium could see into the future without the necklace, this startled the woman deeply but instead of being scared or upset that the queen had hid this fact Isis had the utmost respect knowing that if she had been known to see into the future. People would use her, however she only used her powers when necessary and would only act when it was time. Shortly after that moment Isis had asked her on advice which surprised Marium who agreed with a soft smile.
"Somehow… I knew you would ask, I just didn't want to make something happen when you weren't ready" Marium once again shocked her, regardless Isis laughed knowing that Marium had anticipated this from the very beginning.
"She is right Seto, you have been overworking yourself" Isis agreed to Seto's dismay.
"Priestess Isis-"
"Seto" Marium said in a warning tone that made him tense up.
"My queen" Seto said causing her to shake her head.
"If things go well you can rest, deal?" Marium asked before glaring at Shimon who was talking to Yami about the female dancers, sensing that Marium was glaring Yami turned to look only to freeze in fear from her glare.
"I'm talking to people and you're trying to drag my poor husband into cheating on me Shimon? Have you no shame?" Marium scolded causing Shimon to laugh nervously.
"O-OF course not!" Shimon laughed but the others did not join in as they stared at him, sighing Marium looked at Seto, Isis and Mahad.
"Mahad check security, there's bound to be someone lurking about. That includes you two as well. I sense someone is up to no good but keep discrete" Marium instructed softly as to not attract attention.
"Yes my queen" the trio bowed before walking away.
"So… Shimon, what part of you do you value the most?" Marium asked coldly, despite smiling there was a warning glint in her eye causing shivers to run down Yami and Shimon's spines.
As soon as Myra exited a window of light, she let out a soundless scream as she tumbled onto the ocean of sand with her arms and legs tucked to her stomach as she landed with a light thud before rolling down a hill.
"Darn that hurt!" she signed mentally while angry from being forced into the tablet to her confusion, slowly she got up to dust the sand off her clothes which allowed her to find out that she was wearing her modern clothes. Myra quickly looked round to see the endless sand stretch out for miles leaving her to bite the inside of her cheek from feeling a stream of frustration enter her system. She started to walk round and felt her feet sinking due to the density of certain parts of the area. It was then Myra's shock she was actually solid and not a spirit, then again unlike the last two times she was properly here with a proper body-hers. Which in itself was odd since she should not even be here anymore given that she had not been called here by anyone.
"But why am I solid?" she pondered as she continued to walk, she pushed her fringe back and noticed that sand was clinging onto it making her look a mess. As time went on Myra soon heard the sound of horses panting behind her. She turned round to see solders wearing Egypt clothes which allowed her to realise that she was somewhere in Egypt to her relief, but where was the question. As the horses drew nearer she spotted the solders wearing a loin cloths and hat to protect them from the heat. Behind them to her shock was Akefia who as she remembered has brown skinned and had a long down scar from above his eye to the bottom of his chin which had a few vertical lines on the scar that could be seen on the left side of his face. Her eyes showed horror as she saw his emotionless eyes that revealed how defeated he looked, she soon almost cried out in horror as she saw his memories from when he was young till now, her mind also went to the woman he saved. Was she okay? As soon as the solders looked at her Myra immediately frowned at their ill intentions but they were confused as to seeing a young girl wearing strange clothes standing in the middle of nowhere.
"Young girl are you lost?" asked one of the solders who's mind was the only one of the two solders who's intentions were pure. Myra's eyes drooped and began trying to sign with her hands in hopes for them to understand. The second solder wasn't impressed.
"Speak girl! He asked you a question!" said the second solder. Myra's eyes moved to Akefia who she noticed was still out of it causing her to mentally panic. She looked at the kind solder and patted to her throat.
"Your throat?" he asked. She nodded before waving her hand in front of her throat as if saying she couldn't speak.
"Speak up you whelp!" yelled the second solder sounding impatient which made the first one glare at him.
"She's trying to say that she can't speak Ramses are you blind?!" yelled the first solder causing Ramses recoil before noticing that she was glaring at him which made him feel as if he was burning alive.
"If that's true... then I can sell her without that fool noticing that I won't be taking her to the pharaoh, why would he bother with such a brat like her? I admit someone who can't speak would encourage others to pay a fetching price giving her appearance and strange clothes" Ramses thought while smirking mentally. Unfortunately the first solder heard those words causing Ramses to look at him oddly.
"What are you looking at Mahin?" Ramses snapped angrily.
"Ramses I didn't say that I was going to let you look after her and even if I did! I would never give her to someone who would just sell a troubled child off!" Mahin snapped crossly causing Ramses to recoil.
"How did you know I was thinking that?!" Ramses panicked mentally. Myra smirked as she her eyes showed bitter hatred. She took her note book which turned into a papyrus located in her bag, soon Myra began writing her words and swished her hand so it could be translated so they could understand her.
"Oi idiot! I can hear your thoughts and so can he! By the way I'm a mute and if your mind is as dumb as your face then I'll explain to you that I can't speak since I've NO VOICE! So Ramses if you want me to keep you alive you'll give me your horse and that prisoner!" Mahin read with a pale face as his face was cross between amused and shock from mentioning about the prisoner.
"I'm afraid that I can't give you the prisoner. This is the King of Thieves and he's a murderer" Mahin replied while Ramses was furious from the insult.
"Seems to me that he looks miserable, are you sure that he's a problem? I have a habit of dealing with gits like him" she wrote with a smirk on her face, suddenly Mahin looked at her dead in the eye and without warning his eyes turned empty as if he looked hypnotized.
"As you wish, I'll give you my horse as well" Mahin said in a monotone voice that shocked Ramses.
"Do you have any idea of how hard it was to capture him and now you want to let him-" Ramses cried out in pain as Mahin stabbed him in the heart with his sword. Ramses fell to the sand the moment the sword was taken out. Meanwhile Akefia was still empty and didn't notice what was going on.
"Thank you now deliver this to the Pharaoh it's urgent!" Myra's eyes were stern showing that it was urgent the moment Mahin woke up from his trance. He looked at the scroll with shaky hands after seeing Ramses lying dead and rode off on his horse leaving his fellow solder dead on the sand with the prisoner and the horse next to Myra. Myra noticed a purple blob near where Mahin had stood and nodded her thanks before it vanished.
Myra nodded sharply knowing that the pharaoh and Marium would get the message, feeling relief she started to get Akefia on the horse but froze after sensing the spirit of the ring's life force charge after the prisoner. Myra's eyes widened the moment they began to glow white which created a shield to propel the spirit away from him. She heard a loud scream from the spirit as if couldn't handle the light shield and vanished but not before becoming solid. She nodded sharply at how he would think that he had Akefia relaxed her which meant that she could protect the real Akefia for the time being. Without wasting time she began to get him strapped on the horse. She stroked the horse who nickered at her softly.
Sensing what she wanted the horse nodded softly. Myra soon took the reins and began to walk side by side with the duo while making sure Akefia didn't fall, she wasn't a fan of the intense heat but if it meant making him safe she would do it. That and she wanted answers.
Marium glared at the dark spirit who had brought her father in law's coffin and slid it along the floor towards them with his foot, while ranting about how his people were slaughtered for the items they possessed now after ramming his foot on it's headpiece.
"Oh I know the truth Shimon" Marium said darkly after standing up, Shimon who was holding the body of her father in law looked up at her quickly after he pleaded for them to believe that her father in law was good and just. Meanwhile everyone looked at her in surprise from her reply. Even the spirit was left startled by her words and how she acted, what was she up to? After all this wasn't how this evening happened.
"My father in law told me everything, so do not think that I am going to allow you to wrongly accuse someone who was ignorant at the time" Marium spoke in such a sharp tone that it startled and scared Aknadin to his core.
"Does she know what I did?!" Aknadin panicked catching her attention but she did not move her head.
"OH? Pray tell do tell us who the true culprit of my hell is?" the spirit yelled feeling a little worried about how she could ruin everything before things could get started. Did she know the truth?
Marium huffed as she crossed her arms.
"I know for a fact someone calculated an attack and used making the millennium items as a cover up. They also made my mother vanish when she found out and they took her life before she could expose them. Do not take me as a fool, I have been slowly picking up piece after piece and once I catch the culprit there will be no mercy for such foul acts that targeted two people close to me" Marium said scaring Aknadin even more, the spirit laughed at her bold words.
"So basically you don't know who did it?" the spirit sneered while Yami glared at how the spirit was mocking her.
"We have been close to finding out!" Yami interrupted shocking Marium at how he was now revealing what they had been up to years ago, but he truly didn't remember what they found out. So was he bluffing on knowing?
"What are you doing?" Marium hissed at him mentally while sensing that the spirit along with everyone else were astonished by his bold claim.
"We had been close right? I do remember you telling us the story of how we met, surely we started to find out more information after that?" Yami asked to her dismay.
"Yami, we had found out. But we found out too late and people died as a result" Marium said in a sad tone, at the same time Yami's blood ran cold from her words.
"Can't we stop it from happening?!" he asked feeling helpless but she shook her head slightly.
"It's our memory world, what good would that do? If doing that somehow has an impact on our true memories wouldn't it alter the future?" Marium asked Yami who bit the inside of his cheek.
"I will not let this happen again, Marium please even if this isn't truly real we should do something" Yami pleaded, knowing that it was hurting her to stay silent while the killer walked free and caused more problems.
"My pharaoh is this true?" Shimon asked sounding shocked by the confession as he spoke what everyone else was thinking.
"Like what? The killer never told us where her body was, it still hurts me knowing that we never got to say goodbye. But what can I do? It's not like someone's going to magically find her body! That would be impossible!" Marium snapped at him, staring Yami she waited for his response.
"I promise you we will take this murderer down together" Yami paused as a memory entered his mind, soon his eyes hardened before looking at Shimon with a determined expression which left the elderly man blinking in surprise.
"Yes, we are close. We chose to keep it quiet because of who would be listening" Yami said, just hearing this took all of Aknadin's will power not to shake or drop to his knees in fear. He couldn't leave either unless he wanted to be caught out so all he could do was stay and look shocked.
"Yami!" Marium cried not believing her ears, she soon paused as she saw the look in his eyes that said to trust him, not that she didn't want to. But this was playing with fire, if this was a play they would be in trouble for breaking the rules.
"And yet you still have no evidence there was a killer, after all where is the body?" the spirit asked slyly but Yami remained determined to stop the spirit and find out what happened. Why it was connected with Kul Elna? Who was the culprit?
Eventually Yami was successfully able to cause the spirit to leave thanks to Ra but it didn't mean that it was over to their dismay. Yami soon took Marium out the room while ordering the guards to check every area to capture the spirit.
"Something is wrong" Marium muttered as he led her to their room "The spirit... it was suppose to possess Akefia but all it possessed was a lifeless doll" Marium said causing him to gasp in shock.
"Are you sure?" Yami asked before she looked at him as he held her arms.
"Yes, but the only way that could be is if Myra had interfered but that can't be right. She is suppose to be with Yugi and the others" Marium said before giving Yami a look "what was that about? Spewing that in front of everyone! Now you've let the killer know we know we're on to them" Marium snapped while he frowned.
"Even if we can't stop him, can you tell me who-?"
"What good would that do? Are you going to expose them? With what proof?" Marium said feeling hysterical to his dismay.
"Even if we can't stop them we can keep an eye on them" Yami said to a reluctant Marium who eyed him weakly, "please? We have some chance of finding out the truth of why they did it" Yami placed her hands in his and held them softly.
"Yami this is dangerous" she warned.
"And your mother didn't lose her life in doing something reckless as confronting the killer?" Yami challenged to her dismay "we made a promise to find out, even if this is just a world of memories and will not impact on our actual ones. I would rather we discover it while we can" he said causing her to sigh.
"You are a glutton for punishment you know" she eyed him weakly before his eyes narrowed.
"I want to know what you meant when we were at the balcony, why is it too late to save you?" he asked sternly causing her to groan loudly as she looked away.
"Yami! Please don't" Marium pleaded but he didn't release her when she tried to break away.
"Marium" his tone silenced her "ever since we met in the future you have been secretive and hid so much from me. Being my wife is huge, I would have at least wanted to know that I am married-"
"What good would it do? You didn't know or remember me so how could I do that to your already fragile mind?" she asked wearily causing him to bite the inside of his cheek in frustration.
"Regardless Marium, whether on we have good and bad things that happened to us. We are still married" Yami said while placing a hand to her cheek, his saw sadness and dread in her eyes which pained him deeply to even see it mar her.
"Yami... if anything happens" Yami blinked as he stiffened from how she spoke-defeated, did she predict that she would die again? "Please do not lose yourself, look after the triplets. They lost me so do not make them lose a father again, if not for their sake but for mine because I know what it would do to them after all I lost mine and it affected my family if you remember how it ruined my father" meanwhile Yami took a step back, his eyes showed disbelief as he forced himself to swallow only his throat went dry. He muttered no repeatedly as he saw her pained expression as she spoke those words.
"Yami until we cross over you have to let me go" Marium pleaded.
"Why are you doing this?! Why are you so determined to leave me?" Yami croaked which left her frustrated from how stubborn he was being.
"Because I know that I will die after this event, it was meant to be even if you stop my murder. I will not be able to spend the rest of my life with you, I accepted this way before we married" Marium admitted feeling shame for hiding this from him, but she couldn't tell him. Because if she did then he would never look at her the same way, she would just be an invalid who needed help everywhere she went. Yami however felt his heart stop from her words.
"What are you saying? You predicted your death and never told me?" Marium shook her head.
"This was not predicted, someone saw an opportunity and took it. We can't change it" Marium explained while her voice shook.
"Even my mother had tried and failed" she thought bitterly but kept it quiet.
"Then how do you know you won't live long? What is-?"
"I CANNOT TELL YOU!" Marium screamed with tears running down her face "WHAT PART DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND?!" She bit her lip as she tried not to break down, startled Yami went silent from her outburst. He was sure that this was a first for Marium, she hardly complained and when she did it was because he had managed to coax it out softly. This time she was determined to keep quiet about something and it was about her life.
"I don't know why but I feel like she knew even when I had my memories" Yami said mentally to himself as he saw images of a calm but sad eyed Marium who smiled, who went quiet when others spoke about living long happy lives.
"Marium please... you trust me don't you?" Marium released a semi strangled cry as she turned her back to him.
"Yami it's not about trust, this! What I know is a burden, you'll most likely see me as someone who is an invalid" she said feeling her shoulders shake, placing a hand to her mouth tears stained her hand but she cared not. She would never burden him with her pain.
"Who says?" Yami says sharply as he took a few steps towards her "who told you this?" Marium releases a mock laugh.
"Are you that clueless?" Marium cried in disbelief as she was about to turn but he held her close to his front stopping her from moving. "Do you not hear them talking? Last time I checked you have ears while I have to hear them physically and mentally" she said bitterly now feeling him hug her more tightly but she didn't touch him. She felt his anger and frustration despite trying to push it down.
"You are my wife Marium, who cares about what they say? I chose you out of all of them. If that doesn't prove that I love you Marium then look at what we have created" Yami placed his hands to her belly and rested the side of his face on the crook of her neck. Exhaling heavily she eyed him weakly before looking at her belly.
"Please talk to me" Yami pleaded Marium which had her remember a time when he had caught her one time and had asked her about why she was upset when they were expecting. Ever since she was pregnant he had been over protective and her fainting just made it worse.
"I... even... promise me you will not see or treat me any differently" she pleaded, Marium's pulse in her neck jumped when he kissed her and felt herself sigh as she leaned in his arms.
"You have my word" Yami vowed but it still left her uneasy. Would things truly work out?
"I-It's your uncle Aknadin" Marium blurted causing Yami to pause and blink in confusion, Marium whined mentally at how she chickened out of speaking about the curse.
"What about him?" Yami asked as he turned her around to look at her face.
"He killed my mother" Marium said as she allowed the words to tumble out to a now horrified Yami how felt his arms slacken from shame and horror.
"Did... did my father tell you?" Marium shook her head.
"We found out when it was too late" Marium explained, inside she was grateful that this distracted him about asking again.
"I see..." he went quiet "we can get someone to station by him"
"But that would be suspicious" Marium interjected causing him to swallow thickly.
"Then all the guardians will be given a guard to stay with until Bakura is caught" Yami said to Marium who bit her lip.
"Yami, the Bakura in the past is known as Akefia. He is Abbas' son" Marium explained to a shocked Yami.
"But! How-"
"A thousand apologises my Pharaoh but Mahid has entered the throne room, he won't leave until he sees you and the queen" a guard said while kneeling. Baffled the pair followed him until they saw a terrified solder holding a note tightly in his left hand. As soon as he saw them entering he rushed towards them regardless of Seto having guards to restrain him.
"My pharaoh!" Mahid cried looking more scared to their confusion.
"A thousand apologies my pharaoh but he would not listen to reason" Seto bowed.
"Let him go, that note looks important" Marium said as she releases herself from Yami's hand and walks towards Mahid who continues to tremble even after handing her the note.
"What happened Mahid?" Marium asked before Mahid spilled everything while he remained on the floor, at the same time Marium unfolded the note and read it. Her eyes went wide as she read what it said.
"I've been sent here, just managed to find Akefia but he is not himself. But I managed to stop the evil spirit from taking him. Will send you another note when I have news, Myra" Marium placed her free hand to her mouth as she took in what was being said.
"Yami we need to talk quietly" Marium said as she went towards him hastily.
"What is it?" Yami examined the note and gasped in shock. "She was pulled here?" Yami asked forgetting to speak mentally.
"Who Sire?" Seto asked looking at them baffled.
"What does this mean?" Yami asked Marium who bit her lip.
"It means the spirit isn't possessing Akefia, Myra's got to him- Seto do you remember my niece who could not speak came several moons ago?" Seto pauses before realising who she was talking about while Yami stared at them in confusion.
"Do you mean the girl who looked like you that it left us at the gate confused?" Seto asked surprising a few people.
"Yes, this was a note from her. She and a friend of mine were attacked by the one who we saw intrude with my father in law's coffin. Please if find her Seto bring them to us as soon as you can, that means you Shimon, Shada, Isis, Karim and Mahad" she added with a disapproving look as she glared at the door containing guilty guardians. Yami blinked before turning to eye the door while Seto was left startled at how she found out so quickly.
"What is the meaning of this?" Seto demanded crossly.
"Forgive me Pharaoh, my queen but Isis had a vision and we all came" Mahad admitted weakly as the five appeared.
"I am glad Priest Aknadin had some sense in not coming" Seto said bluntly.
"Probably heard our thoughts" Marium commented dryly before shaking her thoughts away. "Anyways... whatever we says stays here understood?" Marium said sternly confusing the group.
"Why not include Aknadin?" Karim asked looking baffled.
"Surely he would want to help?" Shada commented while Yami clenched his jaw in anger.
"For now, he is out of this current affair" Yami said leaving the group including Marium shocked.
"But why?" Shimon asked while he saw Yami's furious look as he stared at a weak eyed Marium.
"As of tonight every guardian is to have a guard watching them-"
"Oh for heavens sake you are being a pain" Marium scolded before waving her hand causing a translucent barrier surrounded them.
"What is the meaning of this my lady?" Shimon asked now looking worried by their actions.
"Aknadin killed Ilayna" Silence filled the room as disbelief filled their features as they stared at Yami.
"Nice..." Marium muttered dryly at how quickly he would crack. No doubt he would have blabbed about the curse if given the chance.
"How? Why?" Shimon cried not believing his ears.
"That's impossible!" Seto said sharply "he has proven himself loyal to the pharaoh, why would he murder your mother my lady?" Seto asked looking shaken.
"He does have a point" Karim commented softly, sighing she glared at her husband weakly.
"My mother had found out about his plot to kill Abbas" Marium said causing those who didn't know the man to be left completely baffled, except Shimon who gasps in horror as he remembers a man who had been friends with the previous pharaoh and Ilayna. Just seeing the three interact like siblings left Shimon shaken.
"Are... are you saying that he tried to kill Abbas but then silenced Ilayna in order to prevent her from interfering in his plans?" Shimon shuddered causing Seto to round on him.
"Not you too Shimon!" Seto said weakly.
"It's true, his son was a survivor of a massacre to create the millennium items. Thankfully Myra- the girl who came to see me intercepted a dark spirit Aknadin had unleashed thanks to what he did when he made the items. Right now she has found Akefia and is keeping him safe, however the dark spirit walks about with his face. To identify who is who the girl will stay with him at all times, find them and bring them here. Keep them away from Aknadin because if I am correct, he will get desperate to hide what he did thanks to someone who blabbed" Marium instructed while eyeing her husband crossly.
"I did what I thought was right" Yami defended crossly while everyone was left conflicted.
"Think about the consequences next time please, Seto I know he is your mentor and you are being forced to chose. Believe me when I say that you don't have to get involved" Marium said softly before Seto looked at her with a lost look.
"Be honest with me" Seto said shocking her "what type of person is he? Can I truly trust him or walk away knowing that he had caused others problems?" he asked looking conflicted which everyone understood without a doubt. Exhaling she saw his pleading eyes before leering at Yami knowing that this was tearing the priest apart.
"Aknadin has always been jealous of his brother, he wanted what was not inherited to him. Seeing his brother living the life as prince who gained friends from strange circumstances. One was a street urchin who was fearful of the darkness before learning to use it to help others, his second friend was a parentless girl who was born and raised by merchants but still ended up being a friend that left an impression on him to the point he had valued her deeply" Marium said with a faint smile while Shimon chuckled feeling himself wanting to cry from the memories that involved the three friends. "Each one had a trait that was valuable and had agreed to be advisors but never saw him as a king regardless of what others thought, instead they a friend who relied on them for guidance and help. Watching this resentment and bitterness filled Aknadin's mind to the point he wanted them separated for good as they not only kept his brother safe. They also had a hand in making Egypt a better place, regardless of what was against them the three trusted and relied on each other. As a result he sought means of achieving his desires but before it could be done the woman intercepted instead of seeking help and unwillingly vanished allowing him to fully plot and kill the urchin who travelled the area helping those in need. Seeing the millennium items as a means to cover his tracks he fooled the pharaoh who had told him Kul Elna was off limits as he knew his friend was there for a brief visit. Instead of heeding his words Aknadin went behind his back and committed a foul crime and had his men slaughter innocents. In honesty he shouldn't deserve mercy so I ask you Seto? All this to be pharaoh, was it worth hurting others?" Marium asked finally feeling some relief in telling them what she knew. Silence continued to fill the area before Seto knelt on one knee.
"Forgive me for doubting you, I cannot imagine how much pain he has caused you but I will do my best that justice is served. What is it that you have us do?" Seto asked, Marium's eyes grew pained as she placed a hand on his tense shoulder.
"This is close to home Seto, I understand that you have unwavering loyalty" Marium said softly.
"Whether I do, it does not excuse him for the pain he has caused. To hurt allies of the pharaoh is to hurt our king himself, I respect him but I will not allow him to get away with it" Seto replied while they watched with dread, this was eating him up inside. More than he was letting on.
"For now guards will be watching the guardians. I do not want anyone disappearing, until it is time act normal but be responsible. He had the eye so it will peer into people's minds so don't let him be suspicious or he could act out" Marium instructed.
"If you find Myra and Akefia bring them here, do not confront the evil spirit" Yami added "also, find clues to Ilayna's body... it's about time she is put to rest" Yami added after pausing from seeing Marium's shocked expression.
"Can I trust you all to secrecy?" Yami asked before seeing their people bow.
"Yes my Pharaoh" they chorused in unison, each more fierce spoken than the last.
"So let it be written, so let it be done" Shimon said with a determined expression before they all dispersed leaving Marium frowning at Yami.
"You have no idea of what you have done" Marium said in a warning tone.
"If they are to be trusted then they should know what is at stake" Yami replied bluntly.
"But what right do you have to do this? Time is fragile and you could have altered a valuable part in time" she stressed while groaning heavily.
"And what about Myra? She interfered" Yami countered tersely as he fired back.
"Because it is within her power, nor ours! If I saw a chance That it could be done I would have taken it. But no I had a husband, a kingdom, the triplets, time and my health to consider while you carry half of what I have to do. So why are you making it harder for me?" Marium asked before sitting down as she felt her legs become too tired to stand for a certain amount of time.
"I'm sorry, I-I'm just worried. Myra has arrived now this spirit is trying to destroy us, I feel conflicted" Yami said weakly.
"I know, now that time has changed I worry about it's effects" Marium commented as worry formed on her face, biting his lip he walked towards her.
"Come on, it's getting late" he said softly while helping her up "I'll take you to bed now" Yami said while leading her to their room.
"But what about you?" she asked before blinking as he smiles.
"I'm staying, there's nothing that can be done now and you cannot do everything" Yami added shocking her before a smile formed on her face.
"Thanks" Marium said feeling happy that he was with her, she could only hope Aknadin would remain blind to their plans.
Akefia's eyes soon opened to reveal normal iris' he remembered being put onto a horse and then being asleep once they stopped in an abandoned cave, meanwhile he relived the day he returned weeks before his capture. He was searching frantically for a girl who he had been with when he rescued the young girl from bandits, yes he had kept the girl close but his mind worried for the mute who vanished without a trace.
To his shock before he blacked out he remembered being slapped hard causing his teeth to rattle from the force of the slap while cruel laughter filled his ears.
*Clank*
Akefia jumped the moment he heard clay slam down one the make shift table. He turned to the side to see a clay bowl with Myra's hand on her hip. She wore a purple gypsy dress with gold like disks tied to string which was attached to the front of her right thigh to the back giving it a loop like appearance, her black hair was no longer in a bun but tied up into a messy ponytail and she wore gold bangles to his surprise.
"Wait a minute... it's her!" Akefia was left stunned at how she found him and this time he had been captured by solders, speaking of solders... where were they?
"Since you're fully awake I trust that I won't need to treat you like a baby now that you've done slacking off" she slapped the note in front of his bowl, Akefia eyed the paper and went to pick it up gingerly. He read the note and looked at her cold eyes, he shivered slightly as if he was looking at himself to his dismay.
"Can't speak?" he asked rhetorically making her glare.
"You know I can't. Eat now you've been out of it for some time now" she wrote before going to pick up her own bowl. They sat in silence without breaking the tense quiet atmosphere.
"How long have I been out?" he asked, she tilted her head slightly so she could look at him.
"You've been out for five days, for a moment I thought it would be eight days" she replied before tossing the papyrus carelessly at his face. however thanks to his reflex he caught it and began reading. He let out a cry of shock as he stood up after reading the note.
"F-FIVE DAYS?! How is that even possible?" he asked now looking angry, his mind also went to the young woman who was waiting for him back at one of his hideouts. Was she okay? Was she still ill?
Myra glared at him causing him to sit down, at that moment Akefia felt as if he was being scolded by a parent even though she was just a child.
"I found you being dragged by solders and one of them gave me to you along with the horse of his dead ally that he killed. I'm not the type to leave defeated people who need help got it?" she eyed him darkly before eating some bread which had been dipped into the broth she had made. The taste was bland but it was the best she could do with the lack of ingredients, he looked at her then at his bowl as she eat without complaint. As soon as he began to eat the broth he grimaced.
"It's bland-" her eyes were slit and behind her were a pair of red eyes which made him shake from fear. He picked up the bread and began eating this time without complaint. She smiled mentally from the red eyes that were behind her.
"Thank you spirit, I knew you could do it" she thanked mentally. She felt a soft breeze and sighed soundlessly knowing the spirit was now going back to sleep. He looked at her briefly as he eat.
"Where have you been all these months?" Akefia asked now feeling agitated from the silence, the last thing that he wanted to admit was that he had been worried about her. Myra lowered her bowl and bread, she then raised her brow at his words and thoughts. He realised why she did that making him panic as his face turned red.
"I don't mean it like that girl! I just wanted to know since I remember you were with the horse and then you vanished when I came back to get you when we were escaping" he said tersely. She tilted her head as she remembered what happened, sadness did fill her but there was nothing she could do then. Deciding it was best to tell the truth given that this was probably going to happen again, at least then he would be prepared for next time.
"My name's Myra, I am from the future" his eyes narrowed at her words while eying her in disbelief.
"Is this a joke?" he asked sounding slightly colder than he would usually speak.
"Nope, I was sent here because someone needed my help. It's why I appear in strange clothes, it's because I'm not from here" her words shocked him but he kept his composure, so she was from a different time period? For all Akefia knew she was crazy or a very good trickster.
"You say someone needed you, who would need your help and why?" he asked looking a little suspicious, she stared at him before remembering all the tell tell signs and how they added up to one person.
"You called me" she wrote it as while expression looked as if she was talking about the weather, meanwhile after reading her words he blanched in shock.
"What? That's impossible! Why would I need a child's help" he asked without thinking before tensing up from her glare. She lowered her bowl again and looked at the exit in a pensive manner.
"How should I know? All I know is the first time I came here I had witnessed a massacre in front of me when I was suppose to be sleeping, then suddenly waking up. After that I appeared at the gathering which involved you kidnapping me before escaping to Marium who sent my soul back to my time. Then there was the time I was recovering from my ordeal my soul for some reason went back and you found me" she replied as she softly wrote the reply, Akefia read the note. At first his face showed disbelief, pain and shock which involved his face going pale at how she claimed to have witnessed what he saw during his childhood. His eyes then shifted as he read on about the event and then when she left the first time he met her, he had wondered how she left but hearing Marium had sent her soul back startled him.
"What do you mean your soul was sent back?" Akefia asked now growing nervous, he didn't want to believe her and yet there were some consistencies that made it believable to the point he could not find any faults even if he did take time to process this. Myra pursed her lips as she tried to think of what to say.
"Every time I was called, my soul somehow was sent back to find you. Marium said it was dangerous because my soul was in danger from anyone who would want to kill me" Myra explained.
"Can't you stop your soul from going back?" Akefia asked wearily as he was now becoming worried about her now, to his shock she shook her head.
"No, have no choice if I am being called. You must have had a reason to call me, each time something happened that affected you right? Like the time you tried to kill the previous pharaoh but failed. Then you saved the captive in the bandit's camp" Myra explained to a chagrin Akefia who wanted to be sick, all this time he had pulled her and didn't even know. Why stop him kill the pharaoh though? He wanted his revenge but then her words when she came back injured left him more on edge, if he could be honest. He hadn't thought about the royal family in almost a year because dare he admit it was worried about the girl he helped. He had tried to look for clues but it was like she had vanished into thin air.
"Say I do believe you, why is your soul back here now? I don't need your help" he said bluntly while she raises a brow to his surprise.
"I am not a spirit anymore, I was fully sent here for some reason but I am glad that I did. A bad spirit wanted to possess you and use you to kill the pharaoh. He also wanted the millennium items so he's not shy on murder" Myra replied to a now horrified Akefia who shot up and moved back a few steps before falling backwards after tripping over something, fear filled his eyes as he had no idea on what to say and think about this predicament.
"H-Holy! No way! Why me?!" he screamed while she shrugged in a nonchalant manner.
"No clue, but he's parading around with your face but is possessing a doll I tricked him to inhabit" Myra replied but he was too shaken up.
"So some bad spirit is possessing my face while causing problems?! I haven't even done anything... besides stealing!" Akefia said sternly while she frowned at him "but I was quiet for almost a year, I have to go anyways. I can't stay here" he said shocking her.
"Why?" Myra asked looking baffled.
"Because..." Akefia paused and looked at her "um... I need to get a physician" he explained while muttering softy.
"You weren't hurt that badly" she commented causing him to blush.
"It's not for me okay!" he yelled before going even redder, he looked away. "I-It's for my wife, she is sick and she's with our son at one of my hideouts. I tried to get some money to help her but I was caught" he added with an embarrassed look while Myra had an expression that made it look like her mind exploded, which would have been funny to him if his mind wasn't on his sick wife.
"Well what are we standing here for let's go, but you need a disguise" Myra explained as she stood up.
"Who's going to help me now?" he asked bluntly while she wrote a note, taking out a thin paper rectangle she closed her eyes before a bright light appeared revealing Lil fairy Wind.
"Please take this to Marium, we need a physician. Someone is sick" Myra signs to the fairy who smiles and flies with the note quickly while Akefia is left stupefied by what he was seeing.
"What was that? How did it appear?" he asks while Myra packed her stuff up.
"No time, help me clean up this stuff. Marium's sending us a physician the moment we arrive in the city" Myra explained to an even more confused Akefia who helped and moved towards her.
"But you said that this spirit has my face!" he cried "if I get spotted I could get captured and killed instead" Akefia paused from her smirk.
"Marium knows that as long as I am with you, then you are not the spirit. She no doubt has people looking for us but meeting will have to wait" she commented before they packed their equipment up.
"What if it goes wrong?" he asked while she smiled softly at him.
"It won't, the spirit's too busy and besides... how can one get caught if they're disguised?" she asked with a sly smile that left him blinking in surprise before a smirk formed on his face.
"I underestimate you girl" Akefia said only to see her frown.
"It's Myra, please remember" she wrote with a glum look. "Oh and when we do get your wife better. I will need your help" Akefia raised his brows from her words.
"What could you possibly want from me?" he asked while placing a hand to his hip.
"Marium's mother was murdered days after she was born in the palace. Her body however to this day remains unknown, on the other hand I have a feeling you'll be able to find her body given how you like to break into people's tombs and find things" she wrote with a raised brow while his cheeks flushed from how she worded it.
"You're making it sound like I am breaking into people's houses-" he said bluntly before pausing from her long stare "okay I see your point. Fine! I'll do this and THEN! We're even" Akefia gives her a stern look before Myra shrugs with a blank look.
"No problem" she shook his hand.
"One question, why are you an ally of the pharaoh?" he asked now feeling some resentment for the pharaoh for various reasons. She raised a brow before smiling softly causing him to twitch.
"He's a friend who saved my life, regardless of that I know he tries his hardest to make this place better. He wants justice for Marium's mother as well" she lowered her eyes now feeling sad for Marium, just knowing like Yami she had to relive her own misery left Myra wanting to help. But having Akefia help would be better for Marium and would let her rest easy. Just seeing her smile about the pharaoh left Akefia forcing himself to resist the urge to snap at her until he saw her sad look.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly.
"It's nothing, let's go or your wife will get worse" she replied before grabbing her bag and went to leave.
"Fine" he said after grabbing his things and followed after her "hey why am I just in this-OW!" Akefia cried as she kicked him.
"So sorry your heinous but that was all you had on you, plus there was nothing here when we entered" she wrote while looking at him with darkened eyes. He raised a brow then laughed.
"Your heinous? That's rich coming from a mute girl-oof!" he rubbed his forehead from the bowl that hit his head after she took it out of the bag. Myra glared at him causing him to recoil as he saw hurt in her eyes before trying to get on the horse. "Wait... I'm sorry!" Akefia said feeling guilty for saying something insensitive.
"By the way don't steal or kill and we'll get along " Akefia glared at her.
"I only stole recently for money, so what are going to disguise ourselves as?" Akefia asked bluntly, Myra hearing the question grinned which left him uneasy.
"Can you play music?" she asked causing him to raise a brow from the question.
"Flute" he replied sourly making her smile at him. His eyes widened in shock as he caught on her idea.
"Oh no! I refuse! I'm the King of Thieves! I will not reduce myself to something lower-"
"Well if you don't want to help your wife and son... I'm sure they'll understand" Myra wrote with mirth in her eyes while watching him seethe in anger.
Akefia sighed as he looked at the clothes he was given from the last of Myra's money she had. He felt little a bit guilty from the fact that she even bothering to help him and had only spent money on food for them but never kept anything for herself. However he soon blushed as he realised that she had to clean him up while making him bathe at the oasis and had been forced to help with his bathroom business. Hearing this she smirked and wrote to him him that he did what she asked and didn't look until he was finished getting changed much to his relief
"The only thing I did was wash your head, chest and back that was it! I won't look nor touch down there! I'm only thirteen!" she glared at him. His eyes widened in shock at how mature she was despite her appearance.
"You're thirteen and yet you behave like an older person?!" he asked with a bland look. She huffed mutely.
"I had to mature early, problem?" she asked coldly causing him to shake his head quickly.
"N-No but why are we here in this part of the city? In case you hadn't noticed, I don't do well in crowds for when it comes to being the source of entertainment" he asked as he took note of the area in case the guards recognised him, the last thing he wanted to do was get his neck taken apart or worse his ka stolen. Sure he stole but he never killed or did any pf the other things thieves did because he had one goal-to survive. Yes he wanted revenge, only now he knew that his revenge had in fact was similar to Marium's goal only she wanted justice for her mother. Whether it was from the same person it meant that they could get what they wanted in the end- closure and the truth. Myra observed him with a cautious look before smiling.
"Got any songs that have a dancing beat to it?" Akefia had a rush of déjà vu from reading the note, his mind then went back to when his father would play the flute which conjured such happy free thoughts. Thoughts that made his family and the people who were nearby at ease, it lifted their spirits and made people more nicer to his confusion as he never knew how his father could do that.
"I will teach you when you are older son, for now enjoy your childhood" His father had said to his dismay and the feelings continued to grow as his father was killed before he could pass anything on. Something Akefia was sad about. Yes he knew his mother was from Kul Elna but his father, he never did ask and it made him sad to not know much. In a way he understood Marium's sadness and resentfulness for being left alone. Either ways both had the raw end of their deals and he doubted that it had gotten much better now she was queen. Soon Akefia nodded faintly as he took out the flute which was the only thing he could salvage from his old home making her smile.
"Great! Let's get going Ake!" she smiled looking chipper, Akefia meanwhile raised a brow at how she shortened his name but smiled from feeling how happy she was. Who was he to make her sad? In a way it was odd, she left an effect on him and... she felt familiar. Like he knew her from somewhere which was odd since they only met three times. Akefia watched as Myra did a twirl and began skipping forward causing him to chuckle at her child like behaviour.
"Alright, wait up already Myra" Akefia said with a lighter tone, his mind went to his wife but knew Myra and Marium were helping as best they could without drawing attention. As soon as they found a spot he sat down and waited for her to finish tying her hair up. Myra had kept her gypsy clothes on while having a purple scarf around her arms, she looked at him with expecting eyes and saw that this was his cue to play.
Myra smiled briefly before doing a twirl catching everyone's attention as she began to dance with the scarf and began to dance in an airy way that was in sync with the flute song. Bakura closed his eyes as his mind went back to when his father played the song as soon as the sky turned twilight. It was his father's way of saying goodnight to the light and to welcome the night. As Akefia played she summoned black flames and did a few flips with the flames on her hands. They did no damage and interested the people who took note of the flare dancer and her flute playing companion. As the duo continued their performance some people tossed coins near Akefia catching him by surprise as the people smiled at them both.
As she danced she spotted Seto's ancestor walking past until he caught the sound of the flute and the people gathering around the duo. She smiled as she began to dance more freely she sent the fire balls into the air, span then caught them before bowing as her way of saying the show was over. The crowd cheered as they tossed their coins at their feet before crying for an encore but to their dismay Myra took the coins and left with a stunned Akefia until he spotted Seto coming towards them with guards and a physician. Bakura gripped her wrist and began running till they took a sharp turn.
"Stop at once in the name of the Pharaoh!" Seto commanded but they still kept running until they ran past the duo who hid behind a house. She panted hard before her body shook from silent laughing while he chuckled at what just happened.
"I have to admit, that was fun" he said between pants. She looked up and grinned as she showed him the bag full of coins that she hid in her pouch. He chuckled weakly and placed his hand on his face.
"You win" he said as he hid his smile with his hand. She grinned before looking at the side of the house, to their relief Seto or the guards were nowhere to be seen. She smirked at Akefia who took that a sign that it was clear.
"Are you hungry?" Akefia asked with a goofy grin now feeling a little more at ease with her. He started to feel strangely protective of Myra like the girl he kept safe before she went missing. To his surprise she shook her head.
"You didn't eat and it's already noon" he said now frowning. Myra took out her papyrus.
"I'm thirsty from dancing, is there an oasis nearby?" her eyes showed she looked tired making him sigh but with relief.
"Alright young lady my treat" he said until he froze at where the bag of coins that were no longer in his hand. She grinned as she showed him the dangling coins.
"I'll steal you blind and you wouldn't be able to know that it was me" she winked before going ahead of him.
"Now wait here young lady!" he yelled as he ran after her only to pause as a physician appeared round the corner.
"Forgive me" the physician bowed politely while Akefia was on edge "Are you Akefia and Myra? The queen asked me to wait here because you were avoiding the solders and Priest Seto" Myra's eyes lit up with joy while Akefia's mouth parted in shock. Marium had actually sent help... she really was worried about him? After what he was up to, she still...
Myra held Akefia's hand while smiling, she nodded before looking at the physician who had a large satchel on him and knew straight away that this was the royal physician or at least one of them.
"Ah..."
"Please sir, take me to the patient. I am sure time is of the essence am I correct?" the physician said politely.
"You will need to get another horse" Akefia said with a guilty look.
"Not to worry, the queen has given me one just in case" the man smiled at them, gulping Akefia nodded stiffly.
"Right follow me" Akefia left them to find their horses.
"I'm worried, do you think the physician found them?" Yami asked while Marium sat watching the view from their balcony, her hands rested on her belly. A smile formed on her face before turning to look at him.
"I'm sure he has followed my instructions, although I must ask. Was it necessary to escort him with our solders and Seto?" she asked with a serene smile. Biting his lip Yami sighed.
"I worried that help would be intercepted" Yami admitted to which she understood.
"I was worried to, but he has found then and will be taken to his patient" Marium explained while worry formed inside, who was this patient Marium had a feeling that they were important so she could only hope they get there in time.
"My Pharaoh!" Seto called as he entered the room catching their attention, seeing the priest Yami smirked at his wife for doubting him until Marium slapped him causing him to smile weakly.
"Rub it in and I'll make you sleep outside" she growled sternly. He laughed at her reaction.
"May I remind you that I'm the Pharaoh-" Yami said with a teasing smirk while forgetting that Seto was watching their banter.
"I don't care if your Ra, don't get cocky!" she snapped playfully making him chuckle. Seto as he continued to watch them felt uncomfortable at the flirtatious like banter infold in front of him. To help them realise he was still here he coughed in his fist catching their attention.
"What have you found Seto?" Yami asked now looking at him as he tried to fight to prevent his growing blush from showing.
"My Pharaoh I spotted a black haired girl with brown eyes who was wearing gypsy clothes" Marium sighed with relief as she knew her prediction did come to pass, Yami however sighed in relief knowing the pair were alive and well.
"That's her! Is Myra okay?" asked Yami looking eager to hear more news. Seto however coughed slightly as he felt ashamed for failing to get them back safely.
"I'm afraid the King of thieves took her away and vanished before we could get her" Seto admitted feeling angry for losing them. Marium turned to her husband with a soft smile while Yami was left stunned.
"Worry not, they will come back soon" Marium assured them as they now stared at her "Akefia needed a physician for someone close, once the person is well they will find us. Otherwise you and Mahad will need to escort them here safely but discretely. Will that be okay?" Marium asked, hearing the reason why he had to bring a physician Seto now felt more at ease.
"Will they be okay?" Seto asked before seeing her smile which left him at ease despite what was going on.
"Yes, as long as we keep this quiet. Everything will be fine. In the meantime keep acting normal so we don't tip off the imposter" Marium instructed only to pause as she felt her belly.
"Marium?" Yami moved towards her while Seto also rushed to her side.
"Is everything okay my lady?" Seto asked causing her to smile faintly.
"S-Sorry, the triplets were kicking just then" Marium explained with a serene smile that left the pair stunned. Looking at her belly the pair slumped in relief before feeling her hands as she took both and placed them on her growing belly, immediately the pair jolted as they felt a series of kicks. Seto without thinking had a proud smile knowing that the babies were strong and healthy, meanwhile Yami was left stunned to silence. Just feeling them- his children forced his mind to register that this was real, that there was life. Life they created growing comfortably inside her, there in this room was his family and it left him happy enough to beam in joy. He may have no parents or much of a family but there in this room this was all he could ever want. Looking at Seto who to his surprise was chuckling at how Yami was acting, it was definitely new to him in seeing Seto smiling without any bad agenda but right now. None of that mattered.
"This is amazing" Yami said softly as he stroked her belly faintly only to feel the infants kick again.
"You can talk to them if you want, at this stage they're very active" Marium said shocking them before the males looked at her.
"It's shame we don't know what there going to be yet" Seto mused not seeing Yami stiffen, something Marium caught on and she knew why. Yami already did know because of the memory their youngest screaming at him for ignoring her, her sister and brother. Something he regretted even after hearing the memory, to his dismay he couldn't see the girl then but if he could picture her. She would look like Marium for sure but left him wondering what the others would look like, what were their personalities like? Was one mischievous like he was when he had been younger?
"You should go visit Mana" Yami blinked in surprise as he saw her smiling "no doubt she feels lonely from the fact her friends are ignoring her" she added with mirth in his eyes.
"Ah, right" Yami kissed her cheek "see you soon" he said as she waved him off leaving her with Seto.
"You should find someone soon" Seto blinked in shock at what she said "you're not getting any younger you know" Marium said with a teasing smile that made his face go red with embarrassment.
"AH...!" Seto cried from how she was now moving this to being about him "M-My queen! Is that really something to talk about?" he asked weakly even as she smiled.
"Well having a family to call your own is nice, is it not Seto?" she asked with a soft smile that left him disarmed to even argue. "Besides, no matter what I'm sure these little ones will be a handful. I am sure that it would nice for them to know that their uncle Seto will be there for them" Marium said startling Seto enough to stand up in shock.
"My queen, I... I doubt that I would even be a good uncle. I am honoured but... it wouldn't feel right given my position" Seto said causing her to smile warmly.
"If only you knew..." she mused softly before sighing.
"I know how hard it is to feel accepted, in fact hearing about your family situation is something that I can understand. However no matter what you say, like Mahad and Mana you are family and you don't need to be blood related to have a proper family. Besides... the little ones like you and I am sure you like them even though they are not born yet, am I right?" she asked a now conflicted and yet happy Seto who looked a little uneasy, he jumped slightly as she held his hand.
"No matter what we all care and worry, family never gets left behind" she added causing his body to shake slightly from the kind gesture. Seeing that he was about to cry she stood up and hugged him, without hesitation he hugged her but was mindful of the triplets.
"Thank you... my lady" Seto's voice shook as he cried softly, hearing this she smiled.
"If you need to talk we are here, never think that you have to do this alone" she felt him nod in reply but no words left his lips lest he broke down completely.
Meanwhile Yami smiled feeling happy and proud that Marium had tried to help Seto, just hearing how kind and warm she truly was filled him with indescribable joy. He did want to join in but knew that Seto needed to hear her words.
"Such an interesting sight" Yami froze before gaining a sudden feeling that he was being watched. "When in doubt follow the white rabbit. She is a very elusive child is she not? She and her companion" hinted a voice that sounded male.
"Who are you?" Yami demanded as he looked round to see nor hear anyone. Biting his lip and risking it he rushed in surprising them.
"I just heard a voice telling me to follow a white rabbit" Yami said to her surprise.
"What else?" Marium asked as she kept sitting while Seto was left baffled by what Yami was sprouting.
"She has a companion" Yami added causing her to smile.
"This voice is telling you to find Myra, it's to do with something personal" she hinted with a glint in her eye.
"Which is?" he asked cautiously.
"Your name" he froze from her reply.
The plot thickens, will he find out the truth?