Bakura: *sarcastic* Hurray! You're back.
May: *looks at Bakura* You sound like you're not happy to see me. This took so long to update...but due to a request of a reader, here's another chapter to this story.
Bakura: *rolls eyes* Who would be happy to see you? Anways, this ignorant author doesn't own Yu-Gi-Oh! and all the freaking characters associated with the anime including spiky haired baka Pharaohs.
May: *rolls eyes* Thank you, Bakura for the disclaimer. Enjoy the story!
Chapter 21
The war had lasted for months and Akununkamun was glad to be home after such arduous event in the field. Even if he was trained to be in war since he was young, he couldn't help but wished that he was just an ordinary person.
An ordinary person that could spend an endless amount of time with his family-his children to be exact.
And as he entered the throne room, he couldn't help as a huge smile grew on his face as he saw his children standing on the dais of the throne, dressed in all the their splendour as the children of the Pharaoh.
It was his son who had greeted him first and bowed his head in greeting, his daughter followed suit.
"We're glad that you came back home safe, Father." his son greeted as he straightened. He smiled as he ruffled the younger's hair.
"It feels good to be home." he exhaled as he looked around him then back to his children, especially his son. "Say, how does it feel to be Pharaoh, Atem?"
"It was tiresome." the Prince replied respectfully. "But it was worth the pressure knowing that someday, I have to take my place on the throne. Thankfully, Atemu was by my side."
The Prince smiled as he gestured to his sister who had remained quiet all throughout the event.
The Pharaoh looked at his daughter worriedly and spoke. His brow furrowing. It's unlike for her to be this way, eventhough she had suffered many a great deal growing up.
"Is something bothering you, my child?" he asked.
The Princess looked up at her father and shook her head swiftly. "It's nothing you should worry about, Father." she assured the king with a small smile. "And besides, shouldn't you be resting for you have come from a long journey?"
His daughter had a point. And he let out a tired sigh. "Very well then. I'll see both of you at dinner."
Both royals watched as their father exited the room. The Prince then looked at his sister and frowned. "What's in your mind?"
The Princess shook her head. "Nothing. Although shouldn't we be preparing a celebration for the victory of the war?"
Atem let out a sigh. "You're right. Should we go?"
But to his surprise, his sister shook her head. "You go ahead. I'll just be resting in my room."
He turned to look at her, worried. "Is something ailing you? Should I send for the doctor?"
She shook her head and strained a smile. "It's nothing serious, I'll be right with you shortly."
He nodded still uncertain about it and went on his way to the Accounts office of the palace. But not before asking one of his friends to watched his sister closely.
Which neither Marik and Bakura were thrilled to miss one of them.
Malik jumped at the idea and seemed too genuinely happy to noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Atem let out a sigh as he brought the other two with him. The two could very well put up a fight if someone would harm him in any way possible.
But he didn't brought them with him for that, he brought them so that the palace could at least be sane enough when something he dreaded passed through.
"What's the matter, Atem?" Bakura asked as he followed the Prince down the secluded part of the palace. "You're not usually like this."
The Prince stopped walking and let out a sigh. "There's something bound to happen but I don't know what it was." he answered then turned to face the other. "And I couldn't think of any idea on who was behind it."
Marik then spoke. "Whatever it is, let it happen. We are powerless to stop what could happen at least."
Bakura looked at his partner in crime, his face aghast. "Wait, are you Marik?"
Marik was about to protest when Atem raised a hand. "We have no time for this." he told the two. "We should now focus on finding any information regarding the people who are intent on displacing the monarchy."
"You do realize that speaking of the monarchy like this could land us all in prison." Marik told the Prince as he crossed his arms.
"Be it so." the Prince answered then looked to look at his friends. "But we are doing Egypt a great service."
Atemu let out a deep sigh as she sat down crossed leg on the floor, and closed her eyes. The visions are getting stronger, more vivid and detailed and she knew without a doubt what it could bring to her whole family if ever it happened.
But...it is the will of the Gods and their will be done.
Taking off the crown and placing it on the floor beside her, she then massaged her forehead, easing the pain that wearing for the whole day caused.
A few days later, a big celebratory feast was held in honor of the victory that the military had won against the barbarians in the north.
The royal family stood at the dais watching as nobles and the military commanders discussed plans involving incoming tributes and war strategies.
"They seem to be in a good mood." commented Marik as he took a seat beside Bakura who was holding a goblet of wine in his hand.
"Who wouldn't?" the albino asked as he downed the wine. "Although I can't say that for them." he said as he gestured with his head towards the royal table.
Atemu watched the nobles below the dais interact with members of the council and military with keen eyes. While her brother was discussing something with their father.
Atem, as trained by their father, learned to multi-task. While discussing with the king, he was listening to the exchange of words going around the room and watching his sister who sat at the left side of their father at the corner of his eye.
Her amethyst eyes trained on the people with such intensity than a six year old could manage. He was about to say something when the discussion in the room died and he turned his head slowly as not to be rude and trained his crimson eyes at the man who-by the looks of his attire is a messenger from a far off country in the west.
Akununkamun was discussing with his son about varying degrees of politics when he saw someone enter at the corner of his eye.
Siamun took a step forward and met the man in the center and was told with a message which was whispered in his ear and without another word, the vizier turned to look at his king.
"Great Pharaoh, " he began with a deep bow. Then straightened up as the Pharaoh waved a hand for him to rise. "This man delivers a message from the Libyan King, Taharqa."
"And?" Marik shouted from the background, causing the people in the room to chuckle at such display of rudeness and informality in such a gathering.
Atem threw a quick glare at his friend and turned back to look at the man who had opened a scroll in front of him and began reading off the message.
"To my brother, the lord of the two lands, Pharaoh Akununkamun (followed by a series of throne names)" the messenger began with a clearing of his throat. "I've been immensely grateful to the aid you have extended our land when we were nearly invaded by the barbarians from the west although I write to you for a different matter at hand. I'm already old and getting behind in years-in which I might add in such good faith that I was a friend to your father as he was and you to me. And now for the sake of my lineage, I ask that you allow one of your children to enter a marriage alliance with my kingdom."
The messenger rolled up the scroll and deeply bowed low at the waist. The people in the room waited with baited breath the decision of the Pharaoh as he no doubt had been musing over the matter since the message began.
"Father…" Atem exhaled a breath as he looked at his father. His crimson eyes blinking in confusion. He knew that the Libyan king have no daughters only sons...and to think that...
The Pharaoh looked at him with a small smile as he knew no doubt what his son had been thinking then turned back again to the man, his features in a hard expression. "Tell King Taharqa that I would be thinking over the matter. That would be all."
"Honestly, that wasn't a good message at all." Bakura commented as they walked down the hallway. "And don't messages written like that sent to the Pharaoh at least? Not read in public?" he asked as he looked at Atem.
The Prince nodded, a hand under his chin in deep concentration. "Yes, you're right. The message would not be read in front of the public not unless the sender wanted to pit the receiver in a situation where he have to give an immediate response."
"But whom do you think was King Taharqa implying?" Marik asked.
The royal looked at the two with a grim expression on his face. "My sister."
"There's no doubt whom King Taharqa was implying." the Pharaoh told his advisor as he stood behind his desk, his hands clutching the sides of the table.
"It is certainly the Princess, Your Majesty." the vizier replied. "He have no daughters only sons. Although…" the older frowned.
"Although what, my friend?" the king asked as he looked up at the older.
"Don't you find it strange, Akununkamun?" the vizier whispered, as it is not accepted to call the king of Egypt by name even alone. "The message was relayed where a lot of ears could hear."
Akununkamun let out a sigh as he relaxed his grip and straightened up. "Yes, I do. It is done only to get out an immediate reply from me knowing that if I say something, the court would likely be torn into two."
The vizier nodded then turned to look at his king. "What is your will, my Pharaoh?"
The Pharaoh thought for a minute then heaved out a sigh as he looked up at the older. "In the morning, send for Atemu. I will talk to her."
"As you wish, my king."
'So, it has come.' the Princess thought as she sat cross-legged on the floor. 'All I need is to let things run as they should have.' she thought grimly.
She then looked at the small statue of the three of them on top of the table in front of her. 'Brother, take care. And be strong.' she thought then prepared herself for her nightly prayers.
'Gods of Egypt, ' she prayed as she knelt on the floor, her forehead pressed against the polished floor. 'your will be done.'
"Our plan is in motion." the voice whispered as he raised his goblet to his lips. "All we need is for them to cooperate."
"Don't you worry," another figure spoke with a grin. "If I know them, they will have no choice."
"Yes." the former nodded in agreement. "They have no choice."
A loud and malevolent laugh echoed in the room.
Next morning...
Akununkamun rested his elbow on his desk and rested his head on his palm, thinking of various ways on how he would spring the request to his daughter. Not while thinking about his son.
He knew for a fsct that Atem would go against this in a heartbeat. And would rather ask for another thought but not this one.
'What to do?' the Pharaoh asked himself as raised his head then leaned back on his chair, his arms resting on the armrests. His grey eyes deep in thought.
A knock woke him from his musings and he looked up to see that it was his old advisor. Siamun.
"What is it?" he asked as he looked up at the other.
The vizier bowed deeply. "I have sent for the princess just as you asked, my king."
The Pharaoh blinked then straightened himself up. He let out a sigh. "Very well. Send her in and please leave us alone in peace.'
The vizier bowed again. "As you wish." then retreated back and opened the door and let himself out. A few minutes later, his daughter came inside the room, wearing a cream colored gown with gold designs along the bodice and the skirt.
"You called for me, Father?" the princess spoke softly as she bowed then raised her head to look at him, with a small smile on her face.
The Pharaoh looked at his daughter for awhile then spoke. "Indeed, I have, Atemu. Why don't you take a seat?" he gestured to one of the chairs infront of his desk.
Atemu nodded and sat down as he had asked and turned her head to listen to her father as he discuss the events of what happened last night in the celebration.
"What do you mean?" Atem asked, disbelief in his voice as he looked at their father. "You-you're sending her to Libya alone?"
Akununkamun let out a tired sigh as he looked up at his son. "That is what she wanted, Atem. I can't do anything against it."
The prince shook his head. "You can, father. According to tradition, no princess of Egypt was ever sent to marry a foreign blood even if from a royal house(1). I'm expected to, but Atemu-"
"Atem." his father spoke, interrupting the tirade. He then looked at his son intently. "I am proud that you're using what you have learned from your lessons, but aren't you also forgetting that their is one pharaoh who had sent his daughter to marry a king of Israel?(2)"
The prince looked at his father with wide eyes. Unable to think of a retort about what he said. It was true, there is one, but...this is his sister they were talking about!
He wasn't privy to the fact that some of his ancestors if not a whole lot of them married their sisters or even their daughters to keep the royal blood and the throne from being passed down into the lesser generations.
And that is also the reason why no princess of Egypt was sent abroad to marry.
"But father, why did you allow Atemu to?" Atem asked as he looked at his father with crimson eyes.
The Pharaoh exhaled a breath before he spoke. "She wished it and told me if that were to happen, then so be it."
"I don't get it." Bakura spoke as he took a bite from the onion he was holding in his hand(3). "Your father was against it, but he allowed her to go?"
Atem nodded reluctantly as he let out a sigh and took a peach from the bowl and twirled it in his hands. "He did. What I don't get is why she would agree to this."
"Generally, no princess of Egypt are sent to foreign lands." Seto reminded them from his place beside the prince on the bench, his eyes on the scroll. "Rather, kings from foreign lands send their own daughters to wed the king."
"But that is the problem!" Marik exclaimed as he raised his hands in the air in exasperation. "King Taharqa doesn't have any living daughters to send to the Pharaoh! That was-"
"My father would not even marry her anyway if he did have." Atem interrupted as he let out a sigh and looked down at the fruit in his hand. "He knows how expansive it is to run the several palaces we have, let alone a harem if he have in each and every palace."
"Why don't the Pharaoh just pick one beautiful girl from around here and send her off instead?" Marik spoke up as he placed a piece on the senet board he and Malik were playing on the grass. "And just say that she is a princess that no one would even notice."(4)
Malik raised a hand and hit his twin on the head, making the other groan in pain then glare at him. "What was that for?" he asked as he rubbed the spot.
"That was for making such a comment." Malik said as he glared back then gestured with his head towards Atem. "Don't you see he's being torn into two knowing that his sister would go alone to a foreign land to marry a prince?"
"I didn't mean to." Marik said as he rubbed the spot on his head then turned to look at the prince. "Then what are you going to do?" he asked.
Atem thought for awhile then let out a sigh. Any action would be futile not when his father had already agreed to it and that it could also bring advantages to their country in time of need.
But the thought of seeing his sister enter a marriage alliance sickens him.
How would he even fulfill the promise he made to their mother? To protect and love her as she was expected to be.
He then let out a defeated sigh. "There's nothing I can do."
He was about to stand up when something hit him on the side of his head. Groaning in pain, he looked down to see a half-eaten onion lying innocently beside him on the grass.
And looked up to see an annoyed Bakura inches from his face.
"What-?" he started to ask but was shaken violently by the white haired teen, causing their friends to look at them with wide eyes at the other's behavior.
"Don't you dare give up!" Bakura hissed at the prince's face as he grabbed the prince's shirt and pulled their faces together. "Not when you have someone that is cheering you on."
"Bakura!" Seto scolded the teen which was returned with a deadly glare telling him not to interfere or else. Bakura may be a lot of mischievous things but one thing can be said about him, he's also a great wielder of shadow magic.
And if Seto wanted to live another day, it's best to let Bakura to his tirades be.
Atem glared at his friend, demanding silently for the other to let him go. But as he looked closely at the other's eyes there was something he wasn't prepared to see or wanted to see.
Bakura was grieving. It was shown in his eyes.
"Bakura-" Atem started to say but was caught off by his friend, who was shaking his shoulders uncontrollably and his eyes widened as he saw tears running down his face. "What-"
"Don't you dare fucking give up!" Bakura told his friend as he let go of his grip on the other's shirt and slowly sank down to the ground."You sister is everything to you, I can see that. But don't you dare give up when you haven't even started yet. Don't be like me. I lost my brother because of this."
Atem blinked, uncomprehendingly as he looked at his friend who was crying-an unusual thing heard from him. He then knelt down and wrapped his friend in a hug.
"Thank you." he whispered then stood up and went inside the palace, knowing what he had to do.
"What was that about?" Marik asked as he watched their friend went inside the palace without saying anything, but his steps says otherwise.
Malik blinked then looked at Bakura who had already stood up, not facing them, his shoulders still shaking uncontrollably. "Bakura, are you crying?"
"No!" the white haired snapped as he quickly rubbed the tears from his eyes. "I just had something in my eye, that's all."
Marik let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right." He then turned to look at the them. "So...what are we going to do?"
Seto thought for awhile then spoke, looking up at them. "We have to help Atem in every way we can."
May: I don't know how long I have this chapter sitting here...but this is it, a new update! This isn't as long as the other ones but hope you enjoyed this.
Notes:
(1) Amenhotep II was married to a large number of royal wives from different nations. When he was asked by the Mitanni king to send one of his daughters for marriage, he instantly refused, saying, "there were no Egyptian princesses sent to marry foreign kings.."
(2) When King Solomon was crowned king, he entered into a marriage alliance with a Pharaoh of Egypt, who sent his daughter in exchange for dowry and a treaty from the Israelite king's part.
(3) Bakura is seen in the anime eating an onion. I don't even know if apples were around the time that Pharaoh Atemu/Atem ruled as he was basically thought to reign in Pharaoh Tutankhamen's timeline.
(4) A king once suggested to the Pharaoh Amenhotep II to send one beautiful lady and disguised her as a princess of Egypt as no one would probably notice which the pharaoh promptly refused the arrangement.