"Oh little girl!" the spirit grinned after holding a frozen Marium with one hand while holding a knife if the other "I know you can hear me" the spirit smirked as he saw Yami's horrified expression as he knew that she could die at any time if the spirit wanted her to.
"If you want the queen here to live then you had better run back to Kul Elna or else there will not be much for you to fix" the spirit cooed before sniffing in a disgusted Marium's hair.
"You sick vile f-"
"Abandon your protectors, I know that this body is fake. But if you want her to stay alive and well then you had best head on over here soon little girl. And we both know that you cannot afford her to die" the spirit mocked while the guardians and Yami were forced to watch thanks to what he had done. Aknadin however remained by the spirit's side, despite being burned by the light he stood tall and stared at them with a smirk on his face.
"You know what I want little girl, best head on over here or else she won't last for much longer" Myra stared from the balcony with a blank look.
"You're not thinking of going there right?" Akefia said with dread, as much as he wanted to save Marium his main priority was to protect Myra after all she was sent to him for a reason right? There was no way that Marium would let this girl be in his care for nothing. She trusted him and he was not going to let her down.
"But what else can we do? He has the queen! If we don't do something she'll die" Seto replied now feeling torn on going or staying.
"And if we give him what he wants then who's to say he won't kill her?" Akefia replied sharply cutting Seto off "I have seen people like this, they're not to be trusted" Akefia replied. Myra nodded.
"Right now he has leverage but so do I- the name and you have the rod. But I am not coughing the name up so he's getting desperate. He wants the items and name, so knowing that I have a piece of what he wants he's trying to raise my hand instead of locating the name himself. But I won't go to him even though I want to. If he hurts her I will clam up but if he doesn't I'll remain quiet, so he'll change tactics soon to get to reveal it... it's why I was forced to take a vow of silence. Because how can one say a name if they're forbidden to speak?" Myra wrote with a sad but worried expression, Seto bit the inside of his bottom lip but remained quiet as he tried to think. Akefia stared at her not knowing what to say and think, all this time she chose to keep silent and all for a name someone needed. To think one word would have that much of an effect.
"So before all this, you could speak? You were never born a mute?" Akefia asked feeling admiration on how determined she was throughout the whole of this, to their surprise she nodded.
"I promised two people I would never speak, not until it is time. So far it is not so I will not utter a single sound" Myra said causing both males to be left even more surprised.
"That's a very hard task to achieve" Seto commented softly before looking outside with dread.
"I was very young when I had to do it, it was annoying that there were times that I wanted to speak but couldn't because of the vow" Myra smiled at Kisara "You understand as well right? The need to do something important, that's why you came here to find Seto because you had a debt to pay" releasing a low gasp Kisara nodded which left Seto feeling shame from the fact he had got her killed, the same girl he saved and yet almost took her soul and for what? Power? The thought now left a sick feeling in his stomach before Myra took his hand and smiled.
"Everyone makes mistakes, it is what it means to be human. Those who know that they did something and try to do the right thing are not truly bad. There are some who are consumed with darkness because of various things, it doesn't make them bad it means they're lost and are alone" Seto nodded faintly before smiling.
"Right, thank you" Seto said with a grateful tone while she smiled even more.
"Don't forget Marium wants you to take time off after this is over" Seto blinked rapidly before groaning loudly causing some to laugh at his response while she remained smiling.
"So what are we going to do? If Myra is in danger shouldn't we move?" Kisara asked now looking at them.
"No we have solders here" Seto said stiffly now regaining
"That are powerless against the eye Seto, we need some place to hide until it is safe for her to leave" Akefia countered to Seto's dismay since it was true.
"Then what else can we do-?"
"You can start by getting your heads sorted" said a stern voice that left then standing rigid on the spot "Why are you letting her stand by the balcony where the darkness could get her?" they all turned to look at a silvery grey haired man with brown eyes glaring at then sternly. Myra as she looked at him froze, in that moment it was like she was looking at a photo of her father only there was a near similar version of him in front of her. Looking at her the man sighed.
"Come on, let's get you somewhere safe" the man said softly, quickly to both Seto and Akefia's shock she rushed towards him.
"Hey hold on Myra! Why are you trusting him so quickly?" Akefia asked with a suspicious look, the man eyed him before huffing.
"At least you don't completely look like your father, that I can have some relief in knowing that I don't have to get annoyed but then again having you and the current pharaoh trying to swarm my daughter like your fathers did my wife really is something that is I would not have to witness. It's bad enough my wife had to work with two smitten idiots only one of their sons went after my daughter" the man scowled causing Myra to smirk before he looked at her but she knew exactly why he had grief on his face.
"Don't look at me! My two friends are like brothers to me!" Myra countered causing him to raise a brow.
"So... who are you?" Akefia asked looking slightly more baffled before Seto tensed up.
"Masud, my daughter Marium I'm sure you know thanks to a few stories of me. However..." he semi grimaced at his wife's skeleton form "I believe you found my wife" the males yelped in shock, Akefia eyed the remains weakly. This man was scary, why did she even marry THIS guy left Akefia baffled. Masud looked at Seto's weary look and shook his head.
"So she told you about me? It matters not, we have to get to my home now before the darkness starts to attack here. After all it means putting the lives of a lot of people in danger" Masud hinted, now realising that this place was no longer safe the trio now knew that they had to leave. Seto quickly paused as Akefia gestured to Ilayna's body.
"What?"
"I carried her now it's your turn!" Akefia barked causing Seto to scowl and pick up Ilayna's corpse without complaint due to the fact Masud was in the room. Eyeing the pair Masud almost rubbed his temples in dismay, what a pair...
"How did you put up with them?" he muttered to Myra which made Akefia twitch.
"Just do" she signed knowing he could understand to her relief.
"I just hope we have time to escape, if not then prepare to fight our way through" Masud warned sternly to the group who now grew anxious, saying nothing they continued to walk until they left through a part of the palace that wasn't been attended to by solders.
"How did you know that no one would be here?" Seto asked in surprise.
"It's what happens when you have the power to hear things through the wind. Sometimes you hear titbits of things from other places" Masud said plainly before shaking his head as he held Myra's hand. "To think the world is splitting apart and my own daughter continues to be stubborn, I swear it is like looking at my wife and that's the scary part-hmm?" he glared at Akefia who soon walked beside Myra and held her hand to his annoyance.
"Why are you holding her hand?" Masud asked bluntly, Akefia glared.
"I can hold her hand if I want to, she hasn't complained" Akefia countered while Myra stared at the pair blankly, in truth she didn't care she just wanted this whole event to be over so she could find the others.
"Get your hand off her" Masud said sharply as he growled at Akefia who just glared back at him, soon light formed on the back of Myra's hair catching their attention.
"That light..." Masud narrowed his eyes before pushing them to one side and created a barrier to protect them.
"I should have known you would be here" Masud growled while Seto rushed towards the pair with Kisara close to him. In front of then to Seto's horror was Aknadin who now looked different. His face now had black and white mask with one red line through right side while having a golden eye on his left, he wore a dark dress and red hair. Myra shivered as she saw his clawed hands and even though she couldn't see his face, it didn't mean she didn't sense evil in him that had grown immensely to her dismay. "To think you still don't have remorse for what you've done. How can you side with someone who will ruin all life?"
"I have one purpose and that is for my son to attain the throne even though I could not" Aknadin said sharply.
"And if he refuses after all you did? You really are a fool, you know no bounds and that will be your downfall" Masud said calmly. Myra felt Akefia hold her more clearly while Seto held the rod.
"I will make him king! All I need is the rod and that girl for my ambitions to be realised. There is nothing you can do to stop me" Aknadin said before hearing Masud scoffed as he chuckled dryly for a brief moment, at that moment Aknadin glared hatefully at the man in front of him but no one could see his face. Seto shook in anger at how willing such a man who was once kind would send a child to her death, if this was who he truly was then Seto would do everything he could to stop him. No more mercy.
"Oh? I'm afraid that's where you are wrong, your plans will never come to pass. Not as long as there is hope" Masud said strongly as he held a defiant expression before looking at Myra's scared form with soft but kind eyes. He knew her appearance anywhere and to think that she was proof that the future would bloom, this was what gave Masud hope. Hope that this nightmare would be over, however as he looked at her his heart was pained as he knew her time was running out. The same eyes that looked at him held hints of death, she was dying but still despite it all was trying to live. A sad fate as he knew she contained the same blood as his wife and daughter, it was like watching a living creature who despite being unable to get up try to regardless of what was against it. Was there no way to save either of them? Even the wind could provide him no answers to his regret.
"You will never win Aknadin, even if I die and join my wife. You will still be facing those who oppose you and that includes your son, a sad irony is that he will never be like you" Masud said before looking at Aknadin with pity in his eyes that left Aknadin shaking with rage. "You had everything regardless of what you assume that you didn't have, you could have had your family by your side. You had a brother who despite what you think loved you enough to try and suffer for your sake"
"He was a fool! Always sentimental, thinking that there is good in everyone even when he was forced to fight those who called him weak! Egypt needed a strong leader who will not hesitate to crush his opponents" Aknadin said to Myra's anger. Pushing slightly in Akefia's arms she grabbed her papyrus and started writing startling them.
"That's not true! A strong ruler relies and trusts their subjects. Who knows mercy and compassion and will know that the people will know that they would gladly take a hit as will they in return. What would you know when you only had command over some people but you never were satisfied! When were you ever selfless with them? When did you truly give your family the time of day? Because if you had you wouldn't have done that! Those people you killed were old enough to be your wife and son! Did you think about who you would hurt in return? No you didn't!" Myra glared sharply as she stomped her foot on the ground. As she glared the butterfly pin in her hair glowed softly while the mark on the back of her neck also released a soft glow that took Seto, Kisara and Akefia by surprise. Aknadin took a step back as he could almost feel pure power surrounding her, it scared him to see how fierce such a child could be when it came to such a subject but what did she know? She was no ruler, she knew nothing about how harsh the world could be and yet she acted like she did. However what infuriated him the most was that she mentioned his wife and son, that was the one thing he refused to be known for their safety.
"You are naïve to this world child, you'll soon see-"
"I've seen enough to see how stupid this world is! I know people are often selfish and ignorant, they hurt and ruin the lives of those who want to make things better. That want to make this world a place that will give hope and joy, people like my family who endured hell to achieve only to have envious idiots like you end them because you feel threatened! You are a coward, a fraud and an insult! You to me are one of the very reasons why this world is in chaos! And it's why I refuse to allow you to succeed! So tell your boss I am spilling nothing so he can hurt Marium but if he does then the secret dies with me got that?! So take that grain of knowledge and suck it!" Myra smashed the pen on the parchment and glared at him with such intense hatred that it startled Aknadin at how such a child would behave, then again it was good that there were some who were fuelled with the drive to fight for what they believed in. Some would cover when things got tough and yet… people like his brother, nephew, niece in law, Ilayna to his disgust and Abbas. Even more people that he had observed were defiant against who or what were against them and were gladly laying down their lives for a cause. However… despite that he knew that he was too far gone to change. He wanted his son to be king even if he couldn't be. Even if he had to do the unthinkable once again then so be it.
Akefia who saw the note felt determination fuel him, he too didn't want to give up and allow such a man get away with this. Regardless his reasons, it did not justify the means. Looking at Seto who nodded at him the pair stood beside Myra and Kisara with equal determination, now raising his rod Seto stared at Aknadin with narrowed eyes.
"In the name of the pharaoh I will stop you once and for all, you will not have this child" Seto said to Aknadin's dread, just hearing his fierce tone left Aknadin at a loss before a thought came to him.
"You forget one thing, my son will fight by my side whether he has a say or not" Aknadin said causing Masud to stiffen and look at four.
"GET OUT OF HERE NOW!" Masud yelled startling them.
"We're not leaving! This man for everyone he has hurt needs to be stopped" Seto said which made Masud groan mentally at how stubborn he was being.
"If you value your lives, then you will leave at once" Masud said before blocking Aknadin's attack that was directed at him, however before Masud could do anything else Aknadin used his powers to freeze Seto to Myra's horror. A cry almost left her lips but no voice escaped her. She could only watch as Seto's eyes became dull which made Akefia pull Myra and Kisara away.
"Seto fight this!" Akefia said sternly as he looked at Seto who was trying to fight the mind control.
"I-I can't stop him, he's-"
"I will not allow you to fight me my son, you will kill them and take the girl" Aknadin said before being sent backwards by Masud who was filled with a silvery light aura.
"You are leaving this boy alone! If you love your son you would let him go" Masud warned shocking Akefia and Myra.
"I will not let you overthrow me, in fact I will gladly end you just like I ended your wife" Aknadin added causing Masud to shake his head.
"You pathetic excuse of a man, I really do pity you Aknadin. What a sad life you've led" Masud said before Aknadin charged at him.
"SHUT UP AND DIE!" Aknadin charged at Masud who blocked the first attack but it shattered the barrier to Myra, Akefia and Kisara's shock. Myra's eyes went wide as fear and horror filled her, this was Marium's father. Despite what he had done he was willing to do right and help her of all people, whether she was close to Marium or not. She knew that he had also suffered and went down a bad path, but he was willing to make things right once more, not just for his wife's sake but for those closest to him. Dread clawed and squeezed at her chest as she watched Aknadin try to fatally hurt Masud before looking at Seto, she didn't want things to end like this. All this… because of what she knew, because of her vow of silence and for what? Was suffering worth it? Having these people endure death and hell because of such people who were filled with such hatred and evil? Frustration filled her as Akefia had tried to stop Seto with Diabound but was finding that he was getting nowhere with Seto who was under Aknadin's control. Looking at everyone Myra felt like crying, she didn't want this. She would rather suffer instead, but what could she do?
"Hey! Other me!" time stood still shocking Myra as she looked around to see everyone had frozen completely, the wind stopped blowing leaving Myra baffled before seeing a faint light and hearing someone approach her. Startled Myra saw a girl who looked like her but had a high ponytail. Her skin was olive like but was a bit pale, she wore a blue dress top and black trousers, she also wore black trainers while on her head was a red and white cap.
"Yo! Finally I can see you other me!" the girl grinned at a stunned Myra "I'm Maemi the me from another dimensional universe that's filled with strange things" Maemi chirped before shaking a weak limped Myra's hand. Myra as she looked at her was left confused on what was going on, why was this girl claiming to be her from another dimensional universe here? And with her of all people? Surely this was dangerous right?
"I take it you have a job to do as well? Being an oracle and sage of balance really can be stressful that's for sure… ugh such a thankless job that's for sure and it's filled with such annoying stubborn people to boot" Maemi said with a grudging look as she groaned heavily before grinning at Myra once more, Myra as she watched the many emotions appearing on Maemi's face was left wondering how someone could change of behaviour so quickly?
"So I take it you were given the job as an interceptor because you were born in the alignment?" Myra still stunned nodded faintly causing Maemi's eyes to twinkle. "That's so cool! So am I! isn't that cool?" Maemi chirped with a wide grin as she laughed heartily.
"I am really glad I could meet another me, I saw someone named Alia who's another us from another dimension and then there's a girl named Lily who shares our aunt's name. Who knew that there were many mes but then again it shows that there are so many alternate universe and temporal dimensions. Every one of us plays a part and it's not just us either! It's so fun-oh and before you start thinking more, no this is not what I'm usually like. I'm just excited that I could see you and be here as well and believe me if you were in my shoes you'd be hopping like a mad girl too" Maemi laughed with a wider grin. Myra smiled weakly before Maemi shook her head.
"Hey if you find people annoying there's a place in the sky, it's got its own building and a library. Just finished it myself but it's way far from Mu, best to keep one place separate from the other. Otherwise it'll be too annoying and clash when it's use is for a later date. So what's been happening?" Maemi asked, blinking Myra pointed at Aknadin and Masud before pointing at Seto. Seeing them Maemi blanched in shock.
"What?! You serious?! Jeez and I thought battling giant man pigs and other annoying monsters was bad!" Maemi said before huffing loudly "so what's stopping you from stopping this?" Maemi asked bluntly which made Myra sink slightly.
"But what can I do? That bad man wants me to say a name I was told not to say. Then there's-" Maemi placed a hand on Myra's stopping her from writing even more.
"Okay, yeah I get it. Things look bad but listen up other me- sorry Myra I'm still just excited that's all" Maemi admitted with a sheepish smile, Myra hearing her name blinked before Maemi giggled.
"Not the only mind reader, I met other mes who can do similar or different stuff altogether. Funny thing is that the more we visit our younger or older us' we end up picking up new traits we wouldn't normally have. It's weird and confusing but nice since it shows we've got the other's back. Anyways back on track. Look this Zorc might have the upper hand and has this guy doing his bidding, but the pharaoh and Marium have you. You're their trump card, also not only you but Yugi too. Yugi's on his way with the others to find the pharaoh's tomb and will find the name only unlike them you can know what the words mean because your ability allows you. It's what helps us be universal to other time and countries, it's nice but it can be worrying since we never know how to dress" this made Myra smile weakly as she understood what Maemi was talking about.
"So hey, no matter what you're not alone. Yes things seem bad and others will get hurt but they do it for a cause, oh and by the way… you know we have this awesome two abilities right?" Maemi asked with a glint in her eyes. Blinking Myra stared at her oddly.
"No? Wow so it might not have happened to you yet. Well I'll tell you just in case you find something weird happening, the abilities are to mimic and negate abilities" Maemi said, hearing this shocked Myra.
"But after putting this clip on I ended up resisting an evil seal that had hurt me before" Maemi blinked before looking at the clip as she leaned to the side.
"No… it protects you from the darkness" hearing this took Myra by surprise "what this clip really is however is a symbol that you're the successor of the darkness bender Abbas. However if Bakura or Akefia can master the ability to understand and use the darkness to it's fullest effect then the rites will go to him more than to you, what you can do is carry the task until it's his time to shine" Maemi commented while beaming, Myra was left stunned but didn't react after all how could she when this was being put on her shoulders. All this time she was left unsure about certain things about her history and now things just kept piling on top of the other, sure it was an interesting set of heritages but it was overwhelming to her dismay. Sensing this Maemi giggled brightly and patted Myra's shoulder lightly.
"It's okay, believe me it was a shock as well to know all these things but do you know what's cool? Your ability is to mimic so after being in contact with the seal, it helped your body negate the effects so you didn't get hurt after that appeared once more. In fact you can destroy the seal if you wanted to now since you have an immunity to it given how you repel it. In a way it's like when you see something you can try to block it or use it. Although…" Maemi tilted her head as she folded her arms, she pouted slightly as she tried to find the words to explain what she was talking about.
"It does vary, for example if you get an injection containing a weak strand of a virus then your body becomes immune to it. That's one of these things that keeps you safe but it's a once in a five thousand year deal for those born in that time" Maemi admitted with a sheepish smile, Myra stared at her not knowing what to say once more. In a way it did sound interesting but to hear that really was worrying given that it could be useful to those who need it. However they would have to be born in a certain time to access it.
"Well, now for this guy. Yes things seem bleak but you can stop him, just believe in yourself and like any ruler- love those who even feel like they do not deserve it. If anything we know that they endured things but we can stop them from causing more harm to their souls, as for me I took an oath not to kill anyone but instead spare them. Don't know if you'll take that route however it does works at times despite half the time it does involve being force to kill to save many which does come back to bite once in a while, although Myra… sadly we can't save everyone but we can save those who can be saved" Maemi said to Myra who stared at her in awe at how determined but strong minded this other her was, looking at the others Myra felt her stomach clench tightly leaving her feeling sick and sad. Smiling Maemi patted Myra's shoulder lightly.
"It's never easy, life is like that but no matter what there's always a solution. Oh and by the way I hear you've had it bad because of the curse" Maemi said surprising Myra. "Well there's one of many options, like me when I time travel my body ends up frozen so I can't age which stops the curse from killing me as I do not age but I could still get killed normally by a knife or something silly like that" Maemi waved it off.
"Another solution is that if you find that woman who cursed us and stop her… which involves killing or banishing her soul, dunno if that would work but it's worth a shot even if it changes the time lines completely. Whether it's good or bad wouldn't know if it's worth the risk to be honest, but who knows maybe one of us might do it and end up with a happy ending" Maemi shrugged. "She is in a way a curse to us because her power hit us as it is tied to her, so maybe her life force is hurting us as well when the attack hit Espira years ago which resulted in us having faulty genes. I dunno Vincent my cousin or in this dimension- Rioto would say that if we try to find something that has a connection that can help us root out the cause, he's a doctor so like one of our big brothers who will be a scientist as he gets older. He'll find a way" Maemi said with a sad smile before clapping her hands before siling widely and jumped with glee.
"Although I can tell you that I'm content now, I'm where I need to be now that my job is done since I saved who I need to save… until the next thing calls me away of course" Maemi grins causing Myra to smile as well knowing that at least one dimensional version of her was free for a brief time.
"I hear Alia our dimensional self had it hard because some idiot kept being rude and shoved her to the ground while calling her weak… shouldn't say that unless he wants a black eye" the pair had an 'aaaaah' expression as they knew they had a real temper.
"Okay, now that I've given my pep talk it's time for me to go. Oh I might come back because I need to give you something but it's not time yet. Don't forget, you may be a princess from a destroyed kingdom but they will never leave you. Once you activate the mark like you have now those bullies will not know what hit them" Maemi grinned "Don't worry the time to talk will happen soon, just focus on what you want and not what others say or think. It's your life not theirs and don't worry. Things happen for a reason even if we lose people on the way, they're not really gone since we do have memories no matter how brief they are kay?" Maemi asked causing Myra to smile and nod.
"See you later Myra, I'm glad to have met you" Maemi said before vanishing, composing herself Myra looked around before narrowing her eyes. Maemi was right things may seem bad but she could still do what she could to help, so why was she being a defeatist?
Nodding sharply time slowly started to resume causing Myra to rush towards Masud who was about to try and dodge despite the fact he was going to get hit. Pushing Masud out the way and dodging the move Myra stared at Aknadin who was now left startled at how she had appeared so quickly.
"But how?!" Aknadin cried before trying to grab Myra who was now being pulled backwards by Masud. Looking at Akefia Myra then looked at Aknadin with a determined expression that took him by surprise.
"Ancient forces black and white
Course the scene across the sky
Hear my voice hear my cry
Shed light among the darkness
And aid my friends in their time of need
As I call forth thy name Winged Dragon of Ra!" Myra tried to focus and drown out all the noise, soon light surrounded Myra before Ra appeared above her causing some to panic as Ra released a loud screech. Light around Ra started to intensify that it made Aknadin and Seto cover their eyes as Myra held Masud's arm. Looking at Ra Myra nodded sharply as she gave the order to push Aknadin back. Removing herself from Masud she pulled him towards Seto and Akefia as Ra gave her time to push Aknadin away, now near the pair Myra looked at Kisara and nodded. Blinking Kisara felt a sense of hopelessness but soon nodded as she felt strength coming from Myra who smiled at her in a reassuring way.
"Seto, please wake up" Kisara pleaded as she approached the possessed priest who turned to look at her.
"No don't you dare!" Aknadin yelled in anger before Ra screeched loudly startling the man to not move, Kisara held Seto's hand as she tried to get him to fight the possession.
"Seto please fight this, I know you can do it after all you saved me all those years ago and then when I was being attacked by the villagers. I know you're a kind person, please don't let him win" Kisara pleaded meekly as she gripped his hand tightly but not too tightly. Seto's eyes as he stared at hers flickered slightly to their relief.
"Ki-Kis…ara?" Seto's voice sounded strained as he fought the darkness as best as he could even though it was proving to be harder the more he pushed it away, hearing him speak Kisara smiled before freezing as pain filled her. Myra felt her blood run cold as she saw blood staining the front of her dress and looked at Aknadin who panted heavily. No… no he didn't…
Myra felt her eyes well up in tears while Seto immediately held Kisara before she fell, Akefia and Masud remained in shock as they looked at her before Masud looked at Aknadin in fury.
"You'd attack a person who's back is turned?" Masud asked in anger before hearing a weak laugh from Aknadin.
"Not the first person and I'm sure that it will not be the last, I'm sure Ilayna didn't see that one coming" Aknadin chuckled despite sounding strained. "No matter, I'll seal her soul before she'll die anyways" Myra turned to look at Aknadin allowing to see her pale expression, tears fell down her cheeks as she felt Seto's pain and grief. Not just Seto's but Kisara's regret for leaving his side, for not being able to repay his kindness when she wanted to. She also felt Akefia's anger and sadness for what he had witnessed, not only that but the fact that even after all this Aknadin still continued to hurt and take away those closest to those that were even close to his own son.
Just… just when would it all end?
Swallowing thickly Myra found it hard to stomach what she had seen, Kisara… she was innocent. Despite her strong Ka- Blue Eyes White Dragon, she had never raised a hand on anyone and always remained not only kind but loyal to the very end. Feeling tears fall more grief continued to form inside Myra like a plague until she opened her mouth, her throat felt like sandpaper due to years of not using it and yet the feeling that continued to form grew to an unbearable level. She watched Seto pleading with Kisara to stay awake even as light formed around her, light that was being pulled towards a tablet Aknadin had made appear.
Why? Why did people have to suffer? Why couldn't they just let others be happy?
A loud blood curling scream that was filled with sadness and grief left Myra's lips before a bright light suddenly appeared until it surrounded her completely, this caused everyone to cry out in surprise and cover their eyes. By the time the light dimmed the white Diabound appeared but this time there were blue lines that looked like veins were coursing through it's body, releasing loud broken wails Diabound and Ra began to glow once more before a light shone from where Kul Elna was located shocking Masud, Seto, however most of all Akefia and Aknadin were left stunned at what was happening. Soon the light from Kul Elna went into Ra and Diabound who started to merge and form into a ball of light which started to grow for a bit until the light disintegrated into tiny particles, there standing in the place of Diabound and Ra was a tall blue eyed woman with long blond hair that went up to her lower legs. The woman wore pure white clothes that ruffled slightly from the soft breeze that blew past them, she had golden yellow ankle and wrist bracelets which had silver inside of them as they sparkled from the sun light, the top part of her hair was in a plait while the rest of her knee length hair flowed from the wind, lastly she wore white shoes that had no heels on them. Standing tall and majestic she leered at Aknadin with intense anger that left him shaking in fear. In her right hand was a golden yellow staff which contained rings on the sides of staff. Wings stretched out she glowed in a white aura that made him cry out from the intense light.
"You who has attacked and caused nothing but harm, I banish you to where you belong!" the woman said with a loud stern tone that sent shivers down their spine. Raising her staff she then send the end of the staff to the ground causing the rings to jingle loudly creating a wind chime effect. An agonising scream left Aknadin's lips as he exploded from the inside as streams of light shot out from the inside. Masud and Akefia looked at Myra who's eyes were pure white signalling that she could not hear or see them. Sighing Akefia knelt at Myra and pulled her close so he could hug her.
"Enough now… don't strain yourself" he whispered before looking at Seto who was shaking in grief as Kisara's Ka was now in the stone tablet to his dismay.
"Seto, Kisara's spirit will live on" Masud said softly as he approached Seto and knelt down beside him, looking at him with torn eyes Seto continued to feel tears run down his cheeks. "She chose to stay by your side as your guardian, should you need to she will come to your aid. I'm sorry I tried to stop this from happening but not everything can be prevented" Masud explained as Seto held Kisara tightly in his arms.
"It's not fair" Seto muttered "she was innocent, she had power that I thought was useful for to protect the pharaoh… but I never wanted to kill her" Masud shook his head as he smiled softly.
"You had second thoughts? Good, it shows that unlike him you have a conscience. Regardless of who your father is, that doesn't define you. You define you and if you want proof" Masud turned to look at the woman who was standing beside Myra and Akefia. "Myra wanted to protect you as well, so did the pharaoh otherwise Ra would not have come" Seto swallowed a shudder as he rested his head on top of hers.
"I… I wanted more time" Masud smiled softly.
"Marium got you thinking didn't she?" Masud asked, Seto hearing this did not deny his words. "She's right and yet she should practice what she says… honestly that girl gives me agro compared to what I did, now I know I'm not perfect. I beat my own daughter because I chose to drown my sorrows and hated the fact she reminded me of my wife, it was no excuse however I cleaned up my act thanks to Aknamkanon who showed up at my door thanks to those two misfits… good thing that she did save his son when she did otherwise who knows what would have happened" Masud sat down and looked at Seto with kind eyes.
"Losing someone you love, it will hurt you deeply. You may not have spent much time but those moments are important, so don't think about the what ifs and live for her. Kisara may have had her life shortened but you still remain, who knows time works in mysterious ways" Masud said before looking up at the sky to see grey clouds.
"Masud she's not waking up" Akefia said causing the pair to look at Akefia who looked very worried, curious Masud stood up and went to check on Myra who's eyes remained pure white while the woman remained watching.
"Something's wrong, why is she still like this?" Masud asked the woman who sighed.
"She's in a trance" the woman explained shocking them "What she did… it is very dangerous" the woman explained.
"Who are you?" Akefia asked now feeling more worried and scared for Myra, sensing his worry the woman approached him.
"I am known as the Magical Angel of Silence" the woman said before looking at Myra with sad eyes. "My spirit does not truly take this form, but it was summoned from the spirit world to help so this was all that she could provide as she summoned me" the woman explained causing Masud to gasp.
"You're a human spirit?!" Masud asked now seeing her nod.
"On the day I died, I protected her so the one who attacked her and our relatives would die along with me. I chose to stay by her side as a guardian, however I could not truly appear until she manifested a form for me to take" the woman explained.
"Which is this?" Akefia asked now looking at Myra and the woman.
"Correct, I just wish she didn't summon me this way… it pains to me see her grieving" the woman said before placing a hand to Myra's cheek. "Wake up darling, time to let me sleep once more" the woman said softly before her form started to fade in and out.
"Take care of my granddaughter" she told them with a soft smile before vanishing the moment Myra's eyes closed. Silence filled them until Masud sighed heavily.
"Let's go, we need to get to my home otherwise the spirit will come back to attack-" Masud was cut off as he was sent flying from the group and hit his head on the wall.
"Masud!" Akefia cried before being struck on the back of the head which caused him to pass out, Seto now grabbing his rod was about to try and attack only to fall to the floor quickly after he too was stuck.
"My what a real treat, I'm glad I waited until she was too weak to fight back" the spirit grinned as he grabbed the rod and then walked towards Myra's fallen form. Pulling her up he glared at Akefia's hand as it continued to grab onto Myra despite being passed out, sneering he kicked Akefia sending him towards Seto.
"That takes care of a few pests in my way, now all I need is for the girl to say his name and Zorc can rise once more" the spirit grinned wildly before putting her over his shoulder and walked away. Seto forcing himself to open his eyes groaned weakly as he watched the spirit take her away.
"I… I have to do something…" his eyes soon started to blur before he passed out once more.
"Well well… looks like it's my lucky day my lady" the spirit said in a mocking tone as he carried Myra's fallen form in his arms, Marium cried out in horror while Yami was left stunned at how she was not moving or responding.
"IF YOU KILLED HER!" Yami yelled but could not move because of the power that was forcing them to remain still, he heard the spirit laugh as he set her at the foot of the stone carving.
"Now why would I kill someone I need alive? All I need now is her to say just one word and Zorc can once again finish what he started" the spirit said with glee as he placed the rod in the last empty slot of the millennium stone. Purple light shone from the stone which now filled all the items that were now back in their resting place.
"Although… I may not truly need to access that word, I could just sacrifice myself to summon Zorc and then give her to him as a meal" the spirit mocked causing them to gasp in anger.
"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Marium screamed in anger.
"You're not in the position to tell me what to do, remember I can erase her at any time and that would just require one thing" Marium growled as she tried to break free of the prison he placed her in.
The spirit smirked as he saw Myra remain still and tutted.
"Maybe water will wake her up, after all… she's too weak to fight back" the spirit commented before walking towards the Millennium stone and sat down while placing a hand under his chin. "However I'm a patient one, so I'll let her recover some energy she used up"
Yami gritted his teeth in anger as he watched what was happening from his chair, there had to be some way to get Myra out of there. But what? The spirit she summoned couldn't come back given how much energy it took to summon her. Just seeing the Magical Angel of Silence appear like that did throw him off but in a good way, but hearing and seeing how she had come to life pained Yami deeply.
"Tick tock Pharaoh, she won't have much longer left to live" the spirit said with a smirk which made Yami more agitated, what could he do? Looking at the area he was left with a sense of hopelessness until he looked at the note Ilayna left, his mind soon went to an idea that left him unsure of whether it would work but just as he moved his hand, he felt a round bell touch it and looked to see a silver bell was touching the back of his hand. Blinking he lifted and began to ring the bell which started to glow slightly, screams soon filled the area taking the pair by surprise.
"What did you do!?" the spirit yelled now feeling a little nervous.
The spirits of Kul Elna started to scream so loudly that it made the area shake in response to their rage. Looking around Marium was left stunned before some balls of light shot through the entrance and charged at the spirit causing him to fall backwards, soon more started to follow and attacked causing the guardians, Yami and Marium to break free of the spirit's hold. Not wasting time Marium rushed to grab Myra, held out her hand so Yami could take it who also had his hand out so Isis, Karim and Shada could grab the other's hands. Marium looked at Yami and nods before teleporting them back to the palace only to collapse due to the strain.
"Marium!" Yami yelled while the priests cry out in alarm from seeing her pass out.
"She's tired my pharaoh, she needs to recover" Isis explained before seeing Seto, Akefia and Masud rush towards them.
"What happened?" Shada asked now seeing the trio look grim "wait a minute! You look like-"
"The one who is causing problems yes I know but I'm not the spirit" Akefia explained with a glum look, "how's Myra? Marium!" Akefia cries out in shock as he kneels beside both Marium and Myra.
"What happened? Masud demanded causing Yami to look at the man, he tensed up in fear as he remembered Masud attacking Marium when she was younger. Seeing this Masud growled. "Snap out of it pharaoh! Just tell us what happened?" Masud's words snapped Yami out of his fear and looked at Marium.
"She teleported us here after the spirits attacked the dark spirit" Yami explained only to hear Masud curse softly.
"She's pregnant and is on borrowed time but still keeps pushing herself… honestly I'm really starting to question her choices lately" Masud said leaving the group confused. "Never mind, ask her after this is over- oh no…" Masud went pale as he looked at where Kul Elna was located.
"What is it?" Akefia asked before freezing as he felt something strange.
"It's the dark one! He's coming!" Rui screamed shocking Akefia.
"It's the dark one! He's rising up" Akefia exclaimed shocking them until the sky went dark, swallowing Akefia watched as a dark form appeared from Kul Elna and started to walk towards them.
"We need Myra to wake up and fast" Masud said now starting to panic "in the meantime get them inside, Myra's too weak to defend herself and so is Marium" Masud explained before seeing a black haired woman run towards them.
"Father! People are panicking right now, there's a stampede heading towards the palace right now" the woman said causing Masud to grow frustrated.
"Where are Ihram and Asim?" Masud asked now trying to keep calm despite seeing all their worried looks.
"They're in the palace, it took a while but I was able to get them inside. Ihram had an episode but he's stable now that he's inside" the woman replied now biting the end of her nail as she saw the dark figure. "Father… that's Zorc isn't it?"
"Yes… Mara, now I need you to say with these two and help them heal, I'm worried your sister has overworked herself" Mara smiled softly.
"Leave it to me father, I'll do what I can" she then looked at the others "follow me I'll help you get inside" nodding Yami picked Marium up while Akefia picked up Myra and followed along with the others. Masud glared at Zorc before following inside.
"Where are the others? Why are they taking so long?" Masud growled in frustration as he tries to locate the other visitors.
Yami watches Marium and Myra's sleeping forms while Akefia stays in the room with a scowl on his face.
"To think I got out bested by a fake… unbelievable" Akefia said bluntly before sitting down beside Myra's bed, he spotted that Yami was looking at him and frowned.
"You're not what I expected" Yami admitted causing Akefia's eyes to narrow.
"Sorry to disappoint" Akefia said before looking at Myra with worried eyes, "she used up so much energy summoning that woman. I'd be surprised if she wakes up soon" he added softly.
"Who did she summon?" Yami asked causing Akefia to look at him from the corner of his eye.
"Her grandmother, apparently the stronger the spirit the more energy it took to summon and since it was her first time doing this it left her unable to wake up when we needed her to" Akefia explained before seeing someone run in, shocked Akefia stood up and hugged a now relieved Aria.
"What are you doing here?" Akefia asked lowly.
"A man named Masud led us here, he said the hideout would be attacked if we stayed there any longer, Emi's with Abbas next door" Aria explained causing Akefia to sigh in relief.
"No one was hurt?" Akefia asked sternly before she smiled and shook her head.
"We just got out before the sky turned dark" Aria said before noticing the pharaoh and nodded politely.
"I'm Aria my apologises for running in without permission" Aria said to Akefia's dismay.
"It's alright, there's no need for formalities" Yami said shocking the pair.
"Oh… so how are they?" Aria asked now looking at the females who were sleeping.
"Mara my wife's sister said she's just resting from using her energy, nothing life threatening" Yami explained "as for Myra… her spirit is weak at the moment"
"Because she summoned a spirit" the pair blinked in surprise causing her to smile. "I've heard some people are sensitive to the spirit world, never thought that I would see someone who is up close" Aria explained but it didn't stop them from being suspicious.
"Oh relax, I heard from Shimon your father was sensitive to the spirit world as well. No need to get suspicious with me" she chuckled causing Akefia to raise a brow.
"Never heard about that" Akefia said earning him another chuckle.
"Ask him, he knows quite a lot about your father's unruly days with his father and her mother. Bit of a funny story if you ask me" she hinted with glee which left them a little uneasy.
"Just go find our son and rest please" Akefia muttered weakly before she stuck her tongue out playfully as she walked away.
"Lighten up" she said with an amused voice.
"With what's going on, I doubt it very much" he muttered in a low tone.
"Considering how I got you to stop stealing, it can happen" she said causing him to flash her a dark look.
"Get out!" Akefia snapped before feeling his face heat up from her words, flashing a surprised but amused Yami a look Akefia coughed sharply.
"For the record I stopped trying to get my revenge on you a year ago, so what she says is irrelevant" Akefia said sternly.
"Lies!" Aria said causing him to growl loudly.
"ARIA!" Akefia warned earning him a giggle from her and Yami leaving him feeling humiliated.
"I cannot wait until your wife starts doing stuff like this to you" Akefia said grudgingly to a now sad Yami.
"I don't know if it would to be honest…" Yami said softly to Akefia's surprise.
"What do you mean?" Akefia said before hearing Marium groan as she started to move, startled Yami grabbed her hand as she tried to open her eyes.
"Marium? Marium are you okay?" Yami asked frantically as she eyed him weakly.
"Come on… I wake up and this is what happens?" Marium groans weakly causing Akefia to snort, looking at him with faint eyes she felt herself sag. "Wonderful…"
"Hello to you too Marium, haven't seen you since I left for Kul Elna" Akefia said with a soft grin causing her to smile with her eyes closed.
"Yeah… but a long time and you still remember me" she murmured faintly.
"How can I forget the girl who made everyone in my family smile, you know my father wanted to come back after he found out your father was acting out" Akefia commented earning him a hum from Marium.
"I see… sorry that we couldn't keep in touch" Marium said as Akefia bit his lip.
"You've nothing to apologise for Marium, you went through something that not even I could imagine going through. You even stayed knowing that Mara and Ihram needed you regardless of what your father was doing. I could never do it" Akefia admitted causing her to smile at him.
"So… father and husband now?" Akefia laughed with a sheepish smile.
"Not what I expected… but Myra brought me to her in all honesty" he admitted softly while scratching the back of his head, Marium's eyes glinted with joy.
"She's special… I'm glad she could give you some happiness regardless of what's happened" Marium said as they smiled, Yami as he watched felt joy in knowing that despite all that was happening she was able to reunite with a friend. Yes it did leave him uncomfortable given his experience with the spirit but seeing the real Akefia and knowing that his father had ties with him allowed him to see Akefia in a new light. In truth it made him sad that his uncle had made Akefia's life miserable and ruined it at a young age. However there was always a way to make things right and that's what he hoped to do.
"Akefia, I need a word with my husband…" Marium looked at Yami with guilty eyes that took him by surprise "there's… there's something I need to tell him and it's about time that I did" Marium admitted as she held Yami's hand. Nodding softly Akefia left the room to give them space.
Silence entered the room before the sound of Marium sighing entered their ears.
"…I really wanted to tell you… but seeing as how things are, I am unsure on what kind of difference it would make" Marium admitted before feeling him squeeze her hand.
"I'm not leaving you, no matter what it is we can get through it together" Yami vowed as he placed her hand to his cheek, just looking at him left her saddened.
"Yami… we won't be able to, no matter what I will not live after a couple of months" Marium explained softly causing him to tense up.
"A couple of months? Why?" Yami asked now looking upset.
"Even though if we stop the darkness, it will be my fate to die otherwise something bad could happen. When it does happen I need you to let me go this time, at least until it's time for us to meet once more" Marium said as she looked at him.
"But why? Why are you so sure you'll die? I don't understand" Marium smiled softly as she chuckled softly under her breath.
"Of course… of course you don't because I tried so hard to shield you from the truth that you ended up doing almost the exact same thing as my father, the one person who had been aware of what was going on. It killed me knowing that my death ruined you and the children" Marium said with a pained look. "I wanted to protect you and yet you didn't understand, you still don't and it hurt me to keep it quiet when we said no secrets" Marium added as he kissed her fingers.
"What is it that you're trying to protect me? Is it that bad that you wouldn't trust me to handle it?" Yami asked causing her to chuckle weakly as tears formed in her eyes.
"Yes… Yami… back at Mu, I learned something that confirmed what was going on" Marium said before sighing.
"What did you learn?" Yami asked as he saw her expression show pain and grief.
"Yami… when my grandmother was alive, she had been cursed to die the moment she had my mother. Only it didn't stop there" Marium explained while Yami's eyes showed shock and disbelief.
"The curse had an added effect, when any female who is born from my mother would die at the age of twenty four while the boys would die at the age of twenty six. Only it doesn't stop there, if somehow the line continues which it has to me and my siblings… the curse will continue and there is no cure. Years later and nothing has been found except faulty genes but no reason behind them except that they make us ill" Marium said as she saw him tense up. "The worse part is that the curse leaves us at risk of being killed at anytime, we would be lucky to live past the age but still risk being hunted down thanks to some who bear grudges against us. It's why I'm saying that you cannot save me"
"Because you inherited the curse… Marium" Yami shook as he felt tears form in his eyes, guilt filled him for pushing her into telling him when she had been trying to keep his heart protected. Despite that she had done her best while he had been acting like a child to his dismay.
"You have no need to be sorry, I'm just sorry I couldn't protect the little ones from the curse" Marium said as her voice shook from sadness, Yami shook his head.
"No matter what, we'll get through this together. I know I cannot save you, but I'll take whatever days I have left with you when this is over. I promise you're not an invalid, Marium… you should have told me" he sighed heavily as he shook from crying.
"And have you broken? Why would I do that to you?" Marium asked softly as she allowed him to cry in her arms.
"You're too selfless, bearing this curse and my amnesia and what have I been doing? I sealed my memories up and cowered like a child" Yami commented as he berated himself for acting out in such a manner, hearing this Marium smiled softly.
"Well… no more of that alright?" she said with a stern smile that made him chuckle in reply.
"Of course, is that all that you were keeping from me?" he asked with a soft smile before it quickly vanished, he saw her looking at Myra with sad eyes which left him confused as to why she looked more sad than before.
"Myra… she has my genes" Marium explained with a weary tone as fatigue continued to consume her, Marium soon turned to look at Yami who had gone pale as he went stiff from her words. Now looking at Myra with dread, he felt his energy leave him now knowing the truth as to why Marium was so close to her and why Myra had the pendent to begin with.