Hey. Did. Did you all enjoy the big reveal in the previous chapter? I hope so because I've been DYING to get to that point. And now, you have another long chapter :D
I have a character in this chapter who has shown up in this fic before. I will say she's back in chapter eleven, towards the end. That will make sense in a minute, but I can't give spoilers.
Content warning: Ishtar uses the Millennium Rod to do Terrible Things to people.
Mai did not even wait for the light to fade from the now inactive memory gem. She was already dropping it back into the pouch at her side, determination shining in her eyes. She began looking around her surroundings with new purpose. Night had fallen while she had been in this room, and though it had felt like hours had passed she knew it had only been minutes at most.
She had to strategize and plan, and quickly. She had to stay ahead of the game, and that meant being ahead of Jean Claude. Ishtar was likely already relaying to Jean Claude what had happened earlier—she had to set herself up for success.
And Mai already had a plan in motion.
She returned her attention to the pouch. She pulled out the glass vial of healing water, and after scanning the room she strode for the bookshelf. She shifted a few books forward, slipping the vial into the newly created space. Then she carefully repositioned the books to disguise her new hiding spot for the water. She would need this later, and she couldn't afford to be caught with the vial. She knew Jean Claude wouldn't be able to figure out the hiding spot—with any luck, she would be able to return to this place for it.
Next, she strode to the writing desk in the room. She pulled out parchment and a quill, hurriedly writing a message across the paper; her handwriting was messier than normal, but she knew that the one receiving the message would be able to understand her. He had magic, he could figure it out.
The moment the ink dried on the parchment, Mai snatched it up and rolled it into a tight cylinder, sliding it down the front of her dress to hide it. Let them try to take this from me.
Only when she was secure in that her message was hidden did she leave the room, hurrying down the hall. She couldn't afford to be caught yet. She needed to find Vivian first—she had a suspicion, and if she was right it was vitally important to find her lady-in-waiting before Jean Claude did.
"Princess!"
Mai jumped at the sound of Vivian's worried voice. She whirled around, some of her tension easing as her lady-in-waiting hurried towards her. A relieved smile lit her face. "You're just the woman I was looking for."
Vivian looked equally relieved as she came up to Mai. "Are you all right? You left the table so suddenly and by the time I got to the hall you'd disappeared—what's wrong?" she asked, frowning once she caught sight of Mai's face.
Mai grabbed Vivian's hand and beginning to drag her down the hall. "I'll explain as we go," she started, her voice brisk, "but I have a question for you the moment we get a chance to stop."
"Stop? Wait, Princess, I don't understand—what's going on?" Vivian tried to stop, but Mai did not let her. She finally pulled her hand free, cutting Mai off. "Princess, what has gotten into you? What's happened?"
Mai gave a soft and frustrated growl. She didn't have time, they had to go—
"Mai, I mean it, you're scaring me. What. Is. Happening?"
"…What do you remember of Prince Jousef?"
Vivian stared at Mai, a confused frown on her face. "Jousef...?"
A shadow of pain creased the woman's brow, and something golden flashed across her forehead. The woman's legs abruptly buckled, and Mai lunged forward to keep Vivian upright. "Viv!"
"I-I'm okay," Vivian managed, almost gasping. She looked visibly shaken, brown eyes meeting violet. She swallowed, and when she spoke her voice was just barely above a whisper. "I…I know him. I know him, Princess, how could I have forgotten?"
Mai's suspicion was correct, then. Ishtar couldn't have done more than one Shadow game, so he'd used a basic memory spell to suppress everyone else's memories of Jou. His full name was the key to breaking it. She couldn't break Jou's curse, but she could start breaking the memory spell on those who had been bewitched.
"Easy, Viv, easy," she soothed. "I know that you're reeling, but I can't afford to have you faint right now. "What do you remember?"
The other woman regained her composure. She stared back at Mai, different emotions playing across her features. She started massaging her temples. "Prince Jousef…wait, he's the…but Jean Claude is here, so that must mean…oh, that devil!" she snarled, her eyes flashing. "I remember now! That creep with the golden scepter ambushed me while I was sleeping! The way he was speaking, I'm surprised he let me live."
"Killing you probably wasn't a part of Jean Claude's plan," Mai replied grimly, starting forward. "You can bet that the creep is already informing Jean Claude of what's just happened. Where is he now?"
"I managed to convince him to stay in the dining hall," Vivian replied, catching up to her side and keeping pace with her. "You looked upset and I thought you needed space, so I told him I'd see what had caused you to become so distraught."
"Good. We have no time to waste. We need to get to the stables as quickly as possible," she replied. Mai paused as they came up to the main hall and began scouring the area with her eyes, making certain there was nobody in the hall. She could not be certain if Ishtar had already alerted the guards. "We have to get help here, and we need it now."
Vivian nodded. She looked around as well, her brown eyes darting around her. After a moment, she murmured, "No one's here."
Assured they were still alone, the two women immediately crossed the spacious hall. They were both practically running by the time they ran to the large oak doors, taking care not to trip or make any unnecessary sounds. They slipped outside, the cool night breeze hitting them the moment they set foot out of the castle.
Vivian and Mai kept to the shadows of the castle, ducking into every corner they could find whenever a patrol passed them. Normally it took only a few moments to reach the stables, but now that they were trying to avoid detection it was taking more precious time. Mai noticed that the front gates had yet to be closed, and she smiled to herself. News had not yet spread—they were safe yet. But they needed to hurry, or the drawbridge would rise and they'd be trapped.
At last they reached the safety of the stables. Mai immediately started looking around for any sign of trouble. When nothing but the sound of horses shifting in their stalls reached her ears, she decided they were safe. She decided to take a chance—maybe Jean Claude had been lying earlier. "Raphael?" she called softly.
There was a rustle from the shadows. A man's figure came into view, but it was certainly not Raphael. Mai took a step back, uncertainly. "Who's there?" she asked, an edge to her voice. From behind her came the sound of Vivian unsheathing one of her daggers.
The other figure came into a patch of moonlight, holding up his hands placatingly. "It's Corda, Your Majesty," he said, looking startled. "What brings you here at this hour?"
Mai motioned for Vivian to lower her weapon, and the other woman immediately sheathed the knife. She had hoped Jean Claude had been lying about Raphael's whereabouts, but if Corda was here and Raphael wasn't…
"I need your help," she said at last, deciding not to speak of Raphael's absence. "I need a horse. It must be the fastest you can give me. I need it saddled and brought here."
The black-haired man frowned, a troubled and worried light in his green eyes. However, he did not balk at her order. He disappeared into the darkness, and she heard a stall door sliding open. She could hear the horses whickering in the back of the building and she exchanged glances with Vivian.
At length, the clip-clop of hooves broke through the darkness. Corda reappeared, leading a dark grey horse that was saddled and ready. "Zigurat was Alister's mount. I can't give you the fastest horse—that one belongs to the prince—but it's among the fastest."
Mai shot Vivian a look, sending a hand signal to Vivian before returning her attention to the young guard. "Thank you, Corda."
"May I ask what's happening?"
Mai offered him a sad smile. "Do me a favor, hon. I want you to turn around."
The younger guard stared at her, confusion dancing across his features. He obeyed with a small amount of reluctance. The very moment his back was to them, Vivian pulled out a sheathed dagger and hit the boy over the head with the hilt. Corda soundlessly collapsed into a heap, already unconscious before he hit the ground.
The two women dragged him into an empty stall. "Corda, you seem like a good kid," said Mai gently, closing the door behind her. "But I already got one good man killed—there won't be another one if I can help it."
She straightened up and took the reins of the horse, leading it out into the courtyard. Zigurat snorted and tugged against her the entire way. Mai gained an idea of why this had been Alister's horse when he had been alive.
"Hurry up and mount, Vivian," she said, holding the horse steady. "He's just as stubborn as his old rider."
"I noticed," Vivian replied wryly. In a smooth motion, she mounted the horse and held her hand out to Mai. "Get on."
"Hold on a second," Mai said, digging into the violet pouch. She pulled out the navigation stone and held it up to her mouth. She thought about it carefully, then spoke. "Duke's castle, through the forest and on the road less traveled."
The stone warmed in her hand the moment she finished speaking. She took it to mean that the magic of the stone was working. Mai hooked it onto the bridle of the horse, making sure it wouldn't fall away or bother the horse. "He'll take you all the way there, Vivian, so don't try to steer him any other way."
Vivian frowned. "Why are you speaking as if you aren't coming with me?" she asked. She caught sight of the expression on Mai's face, and her own features darkened. "Oh no. I am not leaving you here!" she hissed.
"Vivian, you have to go. Get to Duke and tell him what's going on. If he doesn't believe you, use Jou's real name. I've got a good hunch it'll get him to cooperate. Make sure he's the only other noble who responds, though. We don't need enemy kingdoms finding out what's happening and taking advantage of it," she said, her voice level. "I have to stay here."
"No, you don't!" Vivian retorted. "You are not staying here alone and unprotected, not while I draw breath!"
"Serena is somewhere in this castle, Vivian. I will not abandon her," Mai said, her own voice brooking no argument.
Vivian eyed her, looking mutinous. Mai did not back down, her own jaw set with grim determination. At length, Vivian sighed. "I know that look. You aren't going to leave with me, are you?"
"Nope," she replied cheerfully. "Sorry, Vivian. Don't worry about me, honey—I can take care of myself."
"So you keep assuring everyone. At least take one of my daggers," Vivian began, but Mai shook her head.
"If Jean Claude gets a hold of that knife, it's instant game over to anyone he stabs with it. I don't need to die instantly, and neither does anyone else. Go, Vivian, before the guards come."
Vivian stared down at her. Her expression was full of worry, her eyes glistening. She took a steadying breath, keeping her composure. "Princess…Mai, please. Be careful," she said softly.
Mai's own expression softened. "I will. You be careful too, Vivian—I want you to come back to me."
Vivian offered her one last smile before she wheeled the horse around. She gently dug her heels into the sides of the stallion. The horse started at a slow walk, and Mai watched as Vivian began leading the horse to the drawbridge. Mai bit her lower lip hard, silently willing every guard in the area to not see the other woman. Let her make it…let Vivian get away, please…
There was a too long, tense silence. Then, moments, later, the sound of hooves on the bridge stopped. It was replaced by galloping hoofbeats that faded rapidly into the night, and Mai felt herself sag with relief. Vivian had made it…she was on her way. Good luck, honey.
Mai had fully intended to get to the carrier pigeons after Vivian had left, as she needed to find one that would carry her message. However, she heard the start of shouts and running footsteps, and she swore softly—they were looking for her.
Mai ducked back into the stables to hide. Jean Claude had shown her the spot on the upper wall where the messenger pigeons were stored. It required crossing the yard and going up the stairs. She'd never make it that far without being seen.
The rustle of feathers from overhead was her only warning before something flew from the rafters above her. Mai jumped, backing into a corner. As the bird landed in a patch of moonlight, however, Mai relaxed. She couldn't help but sigh in relief. "Eatos."
The eagle tilted her head, eyeing Mai. Her golden eyes never left the woman, studying her with rapt intent.
Even though Raphael's eagle likely carried the sentiment of her master, she had to try. Mai needed the message to get to its intended recipient—she had to try and win over the eagle. "Um…here, Eatos. Come here, sweet birdie," she tried, her voice coaxing.
Were it not for the fact Mai knew birds could not show emotion, she'd be inclined to say that Eatos was shooting her a very dirty look. As it was, the eagle ruffled her feathers and looked ready to fly away.
She scowled. "Stupid bird."
Eatos opened her wings with an indignant screech. Mai held up her hands, desperate to quiet the sound. "Okay, okay, I'm sorry!" she whispered hastily. "Just be quiet! I need your help."
Eatos eyed her but did not move.
Another shout came from outside. Mai hesitated before leaving the corner. She approached the eagle with a healthy dose of caution, easing the parchment out from its hiding place. "Look, I need your help," she said, holding it out to the eagle. "I need you to get this to Yami as fast as you can fly. Please—I don't have any other options."
Mai held her breath, repressing the bizarre urge to laugh. I'm banking all my chances on an eagle who doesn't like me and may not even understand what I'm saying. Funny thing is that it's not even the weirdest thing I've had to do lately.
Finally, Eatos held out her leg with silent acceptance. Mai let out her breath, quickly but carefully moving to the eagle. She took care in securing the parchment to the eagle's leg—it had a long journey ahead, and she couldn't afford for the message to be dislodged. Mai had no sooner tied the knot when Eatos opened her wings and took flight, flying up and out the nearest window.
It was a good thing Eatos had. There came footsteps behind her, and when Mai turned it was to find a group of guards watching her. Mai smirked, sauntering forwards. She stopped just shy of them, planting a hand on her hip. "Well hello, boys. How's it going this evening?"
Gurimo stepped forward and bowed. "You had our Majesty worried. He was concerned when he could not find you in the castle, so he sent us to find you," he replied. Though he smiled, it did not reach his eyes. Mai caught sight of the look on the guard's faces and she repressed a grimace.
Jean Claude knows.
"Really, now?" she asked, her eyebrows rising. "He felt like sending an entire squad to find little old me?"
"Yes. He requests you accompany us back to the dining hall—he is terribly worried."
"Oh, I bet he is," she muttered. She looked up at them all and said, "So, if I decide not to go with you, what happens?"
Gurimo smirked. "I'm afraid he wasn't asking, Princess."
Mai folded her arms. "Rephrase: I'm not going."
One man strode forward and grabbed her arm, starting to drag her behind him. "Forget it, captain, she isn't going to go quietly," he said.
Mai scowled when she recognized the voice, and she yanked her arm free. "Keith, either you let go or I'm going to kick you—and you won't like where I choose to put my foot!"
Keith turned around to face her, smirking. "Like you can do anything against a big guy like me?" he asked her, a taunt in his voice.
"You really think I'm afraid of a cheater like you?" she retorted.
Keith scowled. "It got the job done, Princess."
Mai laughed, causing some of the men to exchange uneasy glances. "Jou still beat you, and he didn't need an illegal lance to do it! You couldn't beat a child, and that's assuming you aren't drunk when you face the kid!"
Keith's face darkened. Mai didn't have time to brace herself for the vicious backhanded blow. Stars exploded in her vision and she felt herself fall, her sight blurring and darkening. She heard Gurimo's indignant and alarmed snarl before she went unconscious.
"Are you certain it is safe to travel without your disguise?"
Ryou shot Ishizu a worn smile over his shoulder as he continued to walk. "Don't worry, Ishizu. We're well outside of the city limits by now. None of the city guards suspected a thing. Besides," he added, "I've met my quota of dressing in uncomfortably stifling robes. At this point, I don't really care."
Rishid readjusted the pack on his back. "I am sorry that you had to leave your wagon behind."
Ryou shrugged. "It's mandatory for wagons to be inspected, and that's a greater chance for me to be discovered. Besides, that wagon was already in the city. It belongs to a friend of my mother's, and she was kind enough to let me use it. She'll be back in that wagon tomorrow morning."
Sivya stifled a yawn. "Well, at least you weren't arrested," she said sleepily. "I only wish we could have left earlier."
"Are you tired, Sivya?" asked Ishizu, dropping back to join the other girl. "If need be, we can rest."
"Oh no, no, I'm fine!" Sivya replied, waving her hands anxiously. "We have to get you and Rishid to your brother, so I'll be just fine to travel until then—"
"Sivya, don't be silly," chided Ryou, setting his own pack down. "We certainly won't reach Bakura's lair in one night. Believe me, I'm in no great hurry to make it back anyways. Knowing Bakura, he's going to chew me out for slipping away, then tie me to the nearest tree and leave me there for a few days."
Rishid paused. "That sounds unpleasant."
"It's Bakura—you get used to it. He just likes to make a point."
The starts of Rishid's reply faltered as his eyes traveled to the sky above. Ryou frowned, noticing the look on the man's face. "Rishid? What's wrong?"
Rishid did not look away as he answered. "I was aware that eagles do not fly at night, yet there is one approaching us."
Ryou blinked and then looked up. He could hardly see anything in the night, but after a moment he caught a brief glimpse of its silhouette. He frowned as he registered the bird. "That's not just any eagle," he said, recognizing the large animal. "That's Eatos."
The eagle seemed to be trying to outmaneuver some unseen pursuer, wheeling and weaving through the air. Ryou squinted, trying to make out what he was seeing. What was—?
Eatos abruptly flew out in front of the moon, her outline sharp against the moonlight. Behind her, Ryou caught sight of a large, hulking creature with wings. It was humanoid, certainly, but not fully human—
Ryou could feel the tell-tale chill even from where he stood.
"Shadows," he breathed, paling as he stared above him.
The creature pursuing the eagle took a swipe at her. Eatos managed to dodge the attack, ducking beneath the monster's arm. She screeched in fury and flew at the monster's face, her talons digging into unprotected flesh. A loud roar erupted from the monster, one free hand clutching its eye. Eatos had partially blinded it.
The eagle then dove sharply, disappearing into the tree above them. Ryou looked further up, then lunged for Sivya. "Down!" he said sharply, shoving her away from him before moving.
Ryou had moved just in time. The Shadow creature dropped from the sky to the ground where Ryou and Sivya had previously been. Its burly body was nearly as tall as Rishid, dark gray curved horns framed its face. Its remaining eye glowed red, its entire body formed of smoke and shadows. Black sludge oozed from where its left eye had once been.
"Sivya, go!" he called. He was already going for his bag, rummaging inside for one of the potion bottles inside it. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sivya regain her feet and disappear into the trees surrounding the clearing.
Ryou had a way to deal with Shadow magic, though he'd never thought there would come a day he would have to use it. He found a vial that held a dark purple substance inside it, and he pulled out his dagger. He poured the potion over the blade quickly, leaning away from the purple mist that rose and shielding his face with his free arm.
He was faster than the lumbering creature, and he'd reacted quickly—Bakura had taught him well. As the monster advanced on him, Ryou darted past it and slammed the dagger into its arm. The knife immediately started sizzling, the dark purple substance bubbling in the monster's newly acquired wound.
The creature roared and then swiped at Ryou, catching him with its arm and knocking him into a tree. Ryou grunted, pain flaring to life through his arm. Not the best of times to be caught without the Millennium Ring, he thought with a wince.
He stiffened as the monster advanced on him. He'd believed that the monster would be slower, but it was clear that it was faster than he'd anticipated. Ryou scrambled backwards, his back hitting the trunk of the tree.
There was a blur of motion from his right. Rishid was suddenly in front of him, brandishing a large tree branch as if it were a quarterstaff. From above him, he heard Eatos let out a loud and challenging cry.
Ryou shot to his feet, ignoring the flash of pain at the motion. "Rishid, don't!" he cried. Rishid wasn't going to be able to fight this creature—he couldn't, not without a Shadow item or without using—
But the moment the Shadow creature's eye landed on Rishid it screeched in alarm. Hatred and fear danced across its features; it tried to strike at Rishid but halted mid-blow, pacing and snarling. Rishid did not move, and Ryou couldn't see his expression.
Confusion mingled with surprise as Ryou watched it. This beast was afraid…for whatever reason, it could not attack Rishid.
Abruptly, the creature shrieked in agony as it clutched its own wounded arm—the wound Ryou had given it had finally taken effect. The monster dissolved in a whirlwind of dark purple mist, the shadows fading into the night around them. The only indication that it had been there was a bare patch of dirt in the grass and the dagger Ryou had used.
Sivya inched out from her hiding space with noticeable trepidation, her eyes never leaving the space. "Ryou, what did you do?"
"I gave it a taste of its own medicine," Ryou said darkly. "Bakura gave it a while back—it's the essence of Shadow magic. It's rather caustic," he added, grimacing at the dagger's charred and twisted blade. "I can see why Bakura told me never to touch it."
Ryou heard flapping wings from above him. Eatos descended from the tree, flapping her large wings; Rishid held out an arm for her and did not flinch when she landed on his arm. The Enterran man carefully ran a hand over her feathers as he examined her.
"Is she all right?" Ryou asked, worried. He had not interacted with Raphael often, but he knew how valuable the eagle was to him.
"She is unharmed," Rishid replied, gently stroking her head to calm her. He caught Ryou's gaze. "It appears that this eagle carries a message."
Ryou hurried forward, taking in the eagle's exhausted appearance and her still darting eyes. "I'll take your message, Eatos," he said gently. "You can trust me to get this to the proper recipient."
Eatos did not fight him as Ryou freed the parchment from her leg. He had no sooner finished when Eatos let out a cry, and despite her exhaustion she took flight. She began going back the way she had come, starting back towards the castle. She was out of sight within seconds.
"I don't understand. Why would such a terrible creature pursue an eagle?" asked Sivya uneasily. "And why did it not attack Rishid?"
"I do not believe it was the eagle that creature was pursuing," replied Ishizu grimly. She walked to her brother's side. "I believe it sought the message she was carrying. As for Rishid…"
She frowned, exchanging glances with the taller man. "That is a good question, and I do not have an answer for it."
Ryou unrolled the parchment, starting to read it. He scanned the message, trying to gauge who it was addressed to. It only took him seconds to process what he was reading before he sucked in a sharp breath.
"Ryou?" asked Sivya uncertainly, resting a hand on his arm. "Ryou, what's happened?"
The white-haired man immediately rolled the parchment back up. He moved to his fallen bag, tucking the parchment inside it before slinging it over his shoulder. He turned to Rishid and the others once he was done.
"We've got to get back to Bakura's lair as quickly as we can," he said. "Earlier, I said there's no way to reach it in one night—now, we'll have to try. Sivya, if you want to leave us you can. I won't force you with us."
Sivya shook her head. "No, no," she said. "I'll go with you—but what's wrong?"
Ishizu's hand went to the Tauk around her neck. Her eyes briefly flickered before her gaze met Ryou's. "It's Princess Mai."
Ryou nodded, his expression dark. "She's in trouble."
The first thing she became aware of was the cold and wet cloth that was being brushed against her face and neck.
It brought her back out of the darkness she'd fallen into, but it also made her painfully aware of her throbbing face and the accompanying headache. She did not open her eyes at first, too disoriented to move.
The cloth carefully started dabbing at one particularly tender spot on her face. She groaned, turning her head to avoid it. "Don' d' tha'," she murmured weakly. She had no control over her voice and her words were slurred. "Hur's."
There was a pause. The cloth lifted off her face. "It's going to," replied a gruff voice with a touch of exasperation. "It looks like you got punched in the face."
Her eyes opened slowly. It was dimly lit, and it took longer than normal for her to focus on the blurred face above her. Even as distorted as her vision was, however, she recognized who was tending to her. She took a moment to collect herself and when she spoke next her voice was stronger. "And hello to you too, Raphael."
She sat up slowly, holding her face and gingerly prodding the throbbing part of her cheek. Oh, I bet that is going to look ugly later. She turned to the burly man. "So, how bad is it?" she asked.
Raphael shrugged, rising to his feet. He padded back over to the bench set into the wall. "You won't be winning any contests for beauty, let's put it that way," he replied, sitting down.
Mai took in the damp stone walls and the torchlight filtering in from outside, also noting the bars over the small window set into the thick oak door. She sighed. "Let me guess. Dungeon?"
"Dungeon," he confirmed hollowly. "I don't know how long I've been down here."
"You've been here since this afternoon," she told him. "That's my best guess. How'd you get down here, though? No one saw you leave, and I was watching for you after our talk in the stables. I would have known if Jean Claude had thrown you in here."
Raphael looked over at her. "I don't know how," he admitted. "The last thing I remember was talking to you. Everything between that point and when I found myself here is a blank."
Mai grimaced at the all too familiar description. "You can thank Ishtar for that," she said, leaning against the wall with a sigh. "That seems to be his preferred method of choice when it comes to getting people to do his bidding."
Raphael's face darkened. "Marik's look-alike. I should have guessed," he said grimly. "He's rather fond of that Shadow item."
Mai started, surprised. "So, you know Ishtar," she said, frowning at him. Her frown deepened as the memory of the tournament came to mind. "That means you had to have known about Jean Claude being the fake prince."
It was Raphael's turn to look surprised. "I was right, then. You really didn't know what was going on," he said, more to himself then to Mai.
Raphael registered what she had said, then looked away at a point on the wall behind her. "I can't answer your question."
Mai scowled, coming to her feet. "Honey, I think it's a little late to be keeping secrets. I already know Jean Claude is the fake prince. What I don't know is why you stood by and let it happen," she said, folding her arms.
Even in the dim light, Mai did not miss the way Raphael's face darkened. "Choose your next words very carefully, Princess."
"Why?" she retorted. "I didn't say anything."
"You're thinking it," he growled.
"What do you want me to say? I'm not seeing very many other options here. What was your price, exactly? Money, power? Land? He bought you with something—otherwise, I can't think of a reason why you didn't call for aid when he took over."
Raphael was on his feet in seconds. In the darkness, his eyes flashed. "You cannot buy me with anything. Yes, I was brought to this castle from the forest, and I didn't want to be here when I was brought. That does not mean I'll turn traitor for the right price," he spat, fury darkening his features.
Mai flinched at how quickly he'd moved, but she did not break eye contact. "Well, you won't tell me what's going on," she snapped. "I don't want to believe you'd betray Jou by having your loyalty bought, but you aren't exactly proclaiming your innocence here."
Raphael glowered at her, anger mingling with helplessness. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, hard enough to possibly draw blood. Then, with an abrupt gesture that startled Mai, Raphael dropped back to the bench. His glower shifted away to the floor. "Think what you will, then."
Mai rubbed her still aching jaw, studying him. It was obvious there was more to this story than what he was telling her. She believed Raphael when he had told her he had not been bribed—but something had clearly happened to buy his silence.
Why hadn't he called for help? That was one of Mai's biggest questions. If Raphael was as loyal as he claimed to be, why hadn't he sent out pleas for help the moment Jean Claude had arrived? For that matter, why hadn't any of the remaining guards called for aid?
As she looked at the slumped figure of the captain, the answer suddenly hit her.
Mai moved, rummaging in the pouch at her side. She needed to confirm her suspicions, and she had just the item to help her. Gripping it in her hand, she strode to where Raphael was sitting and pulled it out.
"Can you do me a favor and hold this? I need to rearrange a couple things—don't look at me like that, I don't have a shopping bazaar to distract myself this time," she added irritably when Raphael shot her a skeptical look.
The blond man eyed her suspiciously for a few moments before he held his hand out. He reached up to take it from her, but the moment he took it he paused. "What is this?" he asked, frowning. "Why are you carrying around such a large gemstone?"
"…Priori memoriam."
Raphael's eyes widened as he realized too late what Mai was up to. He tried to pull away, but Mai caught his hand and held on.
The blinding light that swallowed her vision was different than last time. Instead of surrounding the room it filled Mai's mind and she grimaced, nearly releasing her grip. Even as she registered this change, she gasped as an immense pressure began pushing her mind back. Raphael was fighting her presence in his memories.
"Quit fighting me!" she snapped. She was uncertain if her plea was spoken aloud or only in their now linked minds. "I can't help you if I don't know the whole story!"
Without warning, the pressure alleviated. Mai gasped as rapid-fire images began flying through her mind.
They were in a small castle in Beryl. There was a blond-haired boy playing with two smaller and younger children, another boy and a girl. In the background were what had to be his parents, a strong looking brown-haired man, and an exceptionally beautiful blonde woman. They were watching them with fond smiles, the expression enough to simultaneously make her melt and make her heart ache with pain…
…the boy was now just barely a teenager. It was raining, and he was crossing a bridge with his family when the flood waters came. For the briefest of seconds, his hand brushed those of his siblings as he frantically tried to grab them, and then his family was swallowed by the water and he went under…
...he was staggering in the wreckage left in aftermath of the flood, hopelessly lost and hurt. He kept calling for his family, his cries echoing around him. Despair slammed into him when he realized that his family was dead, and he sank to his knees with a sob—
(No. No, I don't want to go this far back. I need to see what happened a few months ago.)
The world around her blurred, shifting as time passed. Snatches of memory, of places she'd never been and faces she'd never seen, passed her. Then, she was being pulled forward until—
They were now in the throne room, in the castle of Hermos this time. Black drapes had replaced the more colorful banners, and there was a somber air in the room. From outside, a soft rain was splashing against the windows. The atmosphere was thick and stifling.
(This is Raphael's memory…he's not fighting me anymore. He wants me to see this.)
There was a movement in front of her and then Raphael entered the throne room. He was wearing a dark blue cotton shirt with black pants and knee-high leather boots. She reached for him, only for her hand to pass through him.
(That's the Raphael that belongs in the memory. He must be reliving this, but I'm watching from outside his perspective.)
Raphael didn't seem to see her. His attention was focused on a point in front of him. "You wished to see me?" he asked, his voice carrying a slight edge of tension to it.
She followed his gaze, going towards the throne and to the figure sitting in the seat—
(…Jousef…)
Jou was rising from the throne, brown eyes lighting up. Although he looked tired, there was a familiar lopsided grin on his face. He was wearing a simple green short-sleeved shirt with dark pants tucked into knee-high leather boots. A thick golden circlet sat on top of his head, and Mai could still make out the large ruby with two smaller diamonds in the center of it.
"Yeah. Glad you came so quickly. Take it easy, friend—you're not in trouble," Jou said with a placating gesture, noticing Raphael's expression. "I just need to talk to you."
Raphael relaxed in place, but the wary light in his eyes did not fade. "What is it you wished to discuss with me?"
Jou ran a hand through his hair, smile fading. "I take it you've already heard that my dad's dead. He got himself drunk last night and fell into the pond—he drowned before anyone could get to him."
Raphael flinched. "I'm sorry for your loss," he said earnestly.
Jou shook his head. "Don't worry about me," he said, his voice tired and stiff. "He was gone long before this."
(I know you don't fully mourn him, Jou. The man was a drunkard and beat you—I know those injuries I bandaged weren't always from sparring practice. But he's still your family…I can't imagine…)
Jou cleared his throat, clapping his hand together. "Moving on," he said briskly. "I'm allowing the forest folk to go home tomorrow. If they want to, they can stay, but otherwise they're free to leave. I will be paying you all for your time here. No, no, don't even start," he said flatly, noticing Raphael about to protest. "My dad didn't have a good reason to drag any of you out of the forest. You all deserve compensation for being drafted."
"Some have no need of it. They get everything they want and need from the forest," Raphael told him quietly. "You should ask them individually if they want monetary compensation."
Jou nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I'll do that. Thanks for the advice."
There was a brief pause. A shadow of exhaustion crossed Jou's features then, and he gave a soft sigh.
"Your Majesty?"
Jou looked to Raphael, his expression serious. "You know as well as I do my sister's getting worse," he began softly.
Raphael nodded, concern crossing his features. "I'd heard," he said, his voice fully sympathetic.
"I've wanted to go on a quest for some time now, to see if I could find a cure for her sickness," Jou continued, starting to pace. His face darkened as he looked to Raphael. "My dad thought that particular activity was a waste of time."
Raphael's eyes were flinting with outrage, but he remained silent.
"I don't believe that's true," Jou said firmly. "I want to find a cure for her. I believe there's one out there, and I'm determined to find it. That's why I'm leaving tomorrow."
Raphael started. "What?"
(WHAT?)
"I know what you're thinking, and I've already heard about it from Tristan," Jou said, giving a small laugh. He sobered. "Look, if I offer it as a quest to the kingdom, there's going to have to be a price. Almost always, people want to marry into nobility. I won't do that to her—not to my baby sister. She deserves to pick who she wants to marry."
Raphael remained silent, mulling his thoughts over. "How long will you be gone?" he asked at last.
"I'll be gone for two months at most. I've got specific destinations in mind, and I've already planned my route. Tristan knows it as well—he and I will be in constant communication."
Raphael nodded slowly, starting to frown. "I don't understand why I'm needed."
"You were born into nobility, weren't you? I know you're from Beryl. As much as you try to hide it, I've seen proof of it. I pay attention, you know," he added with a laugh, noticing Raphael's expression. "I'm pretty observant."
"…My father was a count," Raphael admitted gruffly. "What does that have to do with this conversation?"
Jou turned to face him. "When I leave tomorrow, I'm leaving the kingdom in the care of the steward. Tristan's father held that title. Normally, he would be the one in charge while I'm gone, while Tristan himself would be captain of the guard. They've been trained in these roles from the moment they were old enough to walk."
(But…didn't Tristan's father…?)
"Tristan's father died just before you guys came," Jou said heavily. "That means Tristan has to step into the role of the steward. I need someone with noble upbringing to be the captain of the guard in Tristan's stead—and I also need someone who I can trust."
Raphael stared, eyebrows flying upward and his eyes widening. He cleared his throat. "You want me to…Your Majesty, I can't," he said. "You would be better choosing someone that the men of this castle can relate to."
Jou grinned. "Give yourself some credit, Raphael. Forest or castle, these men listen to anything you tell them and respect you for it. I've seen it, Tristan's seen it. When I asked the castle guards who should oversee them, they all basically nominated you. Even Jethro did, and he's among those who's been here the longest."
The younger man's face softened at Raphael's conflicted expression. "I'm going to level with you, Raphael. I'm not forcing this on you. This isn't an order. If you want to leave, then hey, I will not stop you or fault you for leaving."
"…How soon must you have your answer?"
"By tomorrow morning."
Raphael looked down, thinking hard. After a few minutes of silence, he looked back up. "I will have an answer by this evening, Your Majesty," he said quietly.
The room faded and Mai jumped, surprised. What happened? Was Raphael finally forcing her out? No…no, she could see another light beginning to grow, a small but cozy room forming around her. She realized she had been in this room before—it was the room she was currently rooming in. She was about to view another memory…
"…and he asked you to be captain?"
The new voice was both familiar and surprised. For once, the owner of the voice looked just as startled as he sounded. A very much alive and much healthier looking Alister was staring at Raphael.
There were only two occupants of the room were Raphael and a young woman Mai did not recognize. She could not be much older than Mai, perhaps younger. She had a friendly face, though right now there was concern in her gentle brown eyes. She was idly toying with the long honey-caramel braid that was hanging over her right shoulder. She was wearing a deep forest green gown. Around her neck was an oak pendant, carved into the shape of an angel.
(Wait…I've seen that necklace before…that's the pendant Eatos gave me earlier.)
Raphael sighed, running a hand through his cropped hair. "He did."
"And? What are you thinking?"
Raphael met their gazes silently, and Alister sucked in a soft breath. "You're already planning on staying, aren't you?" the redhead asked.
Raphael nodded. "I am. He needs my help—I'm going to answer that call."
"Why? This isn't your business, Raphael," Alister retorted. "I don't see why you don't just leave."
"He's asking this from me because he's doing something for his sister. Personally, I'd be doing the same thing if I were in his position," Raphael said, meeting his friend's gaze. "You of all people know what it's like to risk everything for a younger sibling."
Alister gave the barest of flinches and looked away.
"But you do want to leave," said the young woman quietly when Raphael fell silent. "I can tell, Raphael. We haven't heard from Valon for several months now. Yugi's said in his letters he hasn't seen Valon either."
Alister sighed. "Typical. That probably means the little idiot got himself into trouble," he muttered, but he looked concerned.
"You're conflicted," the woman said quietly to Raphael, her expression soft. "What's on your mind?"
Raphael's expression softened at her briefly, then he looked to Alister. "The prince is allowing the forest folk to go home tomorrow. He's making it an option for them to stay or go, but you can bet that nearly everyone will choose to go back. What do you think Valon will feel if he sees them home, but not us? Alister, you should go back."
The woman and Alister exchanged looks. "I told you, Elya," Alister told her.
"I know," she said, giving a small laugh.
(Elya…where have I heard that name before?)
Raphael was frowning at the other two. "What does that mean?"
"Look, I've lived with you long enough to understand that when you commit to something you don't waver. I'm not leaving you up here alone," said Alister flatly. "Besides, the archers here are terrible shots. They could stand to have someone whip them into shape."
The burly man arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what about Valon?" he asked. "You're just as bothered over it as I am."
"I'll go," Elya said, catching their attention. "I don't like the idea of separating or of leaving, but you're right. Someone needs to tell Valon what's happening and to be there for him until you come back. If I must leave, I'd rather you be with someone I can trust that will keep this kingdom—and you—safe."
"No. You aren't going alone," Raphael protested almost immediately. "I am not risking your safety."
Elya stepped forward, her expression gentle and a warm smile on her face. She took his hand, squeezing it reassuringly. "You may have lived in the forest for a couple of years, Raphael, but I was born and raised there. I can track Valon down and tell him what's happening. I survived on my own before, and I can do it again."
"That was before you were my wife," he replied shortly. "Elya, I'm not comfortable with this."
"But Alister won't leave you, and I'm worried for Valon as well. I know you, Raphael—I know you won't leave Prince Jousef to face this alone. Your heart is in the right place, and I don't fault you for it," she told him. She reached up, her hand cupping his cheek. "I love you, but we both know what needs to be done."
Raphael leaned into her touch, his own hand rising to rest on hers. His shoulders relaxed, some of the tension easing as he looked into her eyes. He studied her for a long moment, blue eyes meeting brown.
"All right," he said at last. "I don't like separating, but you're right. Elya…please, sweetheart, be careful. I don't want to lose you."
She smiled warmly at him, rising to her tiptoes to give him a quick kiss. "I'll be all right, Raphael," she told him softly. "Trust me. When I find Valon, I'll send word. I'll stay near Yugi's inn as much as I can if I'm not at home."
The memory faded away, Mai left with a growing and terrible suspicion. She'd remembered who Elya was—Valon had mentioned her in the forest, back at the thief's lair.
Valon had spoken as if she was still at the castle, but this memory had confirmed that Elya had left.
This discrepancy could only mean one thing.
Now there were just fragments of memory passing by her.
A month had passed in these fragments…there were some of the mundane, day to day tasks…Raphael was waiting impatiently for a letter from Elya all the while, his eyes going to the skies more and more often…
…there was a memory of Tristan pacing the throne room worriedly, fretting over the absence of one of Jou's letters. "He promised me he would send one every other day. He's never been late in sending a letter before!" he burst out. "He's never late in anything. Something's wrong!"
…They were on the outer wall of the castle, and Alister was putting a reassuring hand on Raphael's shoulder. "Her letter will come, Raphael," he told him, his voice kind. "She's tougher than she looks. She will be fine. I'm more worried for Prince Jousef. Tristan's right to worry—Jou's never been late before."
This memory faded away, a growing bright spot as she fell into a fully-fledged memory…
They were in the throne room again. The black drapes had been replaced with the other banners once more. Raphael had just entered, wearing armor and a cloak this time. "Tristan, I've just come back from a patrol to find that you've banished almost everyone in the castle. What are you doing?" he asked sharply.
His gaze went to the man sitting on the throne and he stiffened. "You're not Tristan or the prince. Who are you?" he snarled, his hand flying to his sword hilt.
Clad in white silk and looking smug, Jean Claude crossed his legs and leaned into the seat. He put on a feigned expression of innocence. "What on earth are you talking about? Of course I am the prince. You're simply confused, captain."
Raphael's eyes narrowed. "Do you take me for a fool?" he growled. "Get out of that chair now, before I toss you out myself!"
"My, so you are as loyal as the rumors say. I can guess that offering you gold or silver won't sway you much, will it?"
Raphael did not answer. He didn't have to—the expression on his face spoke louder than words.
Jean Claude gave a lazy shrug, then snapped his fingers. "So much for hoping you were a smarter man than this. Guards, seize him."
Three men abruptly entered the room from behind him. Even as Raphael turned to face them, there was an angry buzzing sound. Three arrows almost simultaneously embedded themselves into the shoulders of the attackers. All three collapsed with pained howls as Alister stepped out from the shadows of the room.
"The captain just gave you an order. Get out," Alister said coldly, nocking another arrow. "Unless, of course, you truly desire becoming a pincushion. If that's what you want, by all means—stay right where you are."
(He aimed for the only weak point of their armor…and he hit it without any trouble. He crippled all three of them—Alister was truly skilled with his weapon.)
Jean Claude let out a dramatic sigh. "Such violence. Isn't there another way to resolve this?" he asked. He turned to the shadows behind the chair he was sitting in. "Ishtar, do me a favor. Negotiate with them for me, would you? I don't speak their language."
The shadows pooled forward, rising and reforming into a frighteningly familiar figure. Both Alister and Raphael started in surprise, eyes widening. "Marik?"
(I almost wish it was.)
"Not quite," Ishtar said, his smile sharp and cold. "But enough idle chat. Let's initiate round one of negotiations."
He lifted the Millennium Rod and pointed it to the shadows that lingered at his feet. A mirror rose from the darkness, flipping around to face them; it was suspended in the air by shadows. The interior of the mirror was black and empty, but only for the briefest of seconds. The mist inside it was swirling, reforming into a forest clearing. There was a river nearby, a pile of fish stacked nearby the banks.
"Mirror, mirror, be my eyes—who's is that, waiting to die?" Ishtar said in a sing-song voice.
In the mirror, Valon's head broke the surface of the water. He started back to the shore, climbing out of the river and shaking the excess water out of his hair. He was shirtless and barefoot, clad only in a pair of dark pants.
Both Alister and Raphael blanched, their expressions filling with fear.
(No…NO! Leave him alone, damn you!)
"You know, he doesn't even know we're watching him," said Ishtar conversationally. He lifted the rod again. The top of it began to glow.
Inside the mirror, Valon stiffened. His normally bright blue eyes were now dark and empty.
"And now, he doesn't even know what he's doing," Ishtar told them with sadistic cheer. "He'd never know it if he did a little dance."
Ishtar waved the rod. Valon's body violently started jerking in place, arms and legs flying in different directions. Ishtar's grin widened and he waved the rod again, halting Valon's body. "Perhaps I should have him wade into the river and stay underwater until he drowns."
Valon started walking jerkily toward the water, wading back into the water until he was chest deep. He stopped again as Ishtar waved the rod.
"Oh, but drowning is such a boring way to go if he's not even aware of it—"
"STOP IT!" Raphael's cry was full of fear. "Leave him alone!"
Ishtar's smile widened even further. He twirled the Millennium Rod absently, and Valon silently left the river once again. "I could make him do something much worse," he remarked, and the Millennium Rod gleamed.
In the mirror, Valon pulled out the knife at his side. He held the sharp blade out over his left wrist, looking straight ahead. The blade pressed against his skin, the skin beneath it blanching from the pressure. If any more was applied, the knife would slit his wrist.
(I don't care if this is a memory! Someone—someone stop this—STOP IT!)
An arrow abruptly lodged itself in the mirror, the glass cracking and webbing around it. The Millennium Rod stopped glowing as the glass began to drop from the frame. Valon crumpled to the grass, the knife falling harmlessly into a patch of grass. Then the mirror was dark as the last of the glass fell to the floor.
Alister was still holding his bow. His breath was coming out in ragged, almost frightened pants, but his gray eyes were lit with cold fire. He nocked another arrow within seconds. "For all we know," he said icily, "you could have conjured that image. If you knew Prince Jousef was gone, it wouldn't take much to find out our weaknesses."
Ishtar seemed to stare at Alister for a few moments before he laughed, the sound causing them both to tense.
(That laugh…I don't think I've ever heard anything so frightening. Why is he laughing? Does anything ever shake him?)
"That's quite true, little archer, but answer me this," Ishtar began, eyes glittering with malice. "Do they look like something I conjured?"
The shadows rose once again. They split into two figures, then fell away. The two newcomers stumbled out from the depths of the shadows, disoriented and frightened.
Raphael's shout was strangled by horror. "Elya!"
Ishtar caught her arm and pulled Elya to his side before she could try to escape. Her arms had been bound behind her, a gag over her mouth. Her eyes found Raphael, but her voice was only a muffled cry.
Behind her was another young girl that was clad only in a pale pink nightgown. She was also gagged; the shadows were holding her up, as she was sickly and hardly able to stand. She had hardly any color in her face, her long auburn hair and freckles stark against her fair skin. Her green-gray eyes filled with scared tears as she looked out at them all.
(SERENA! No, damn you, leave her! She's just a baby, and she's sick! Don't you hurt her!)
"Ah, you know this pretty little doe and this delicate little wren. A pity that there are predators waiting to sink their talons into such defenseless creatures," Ishtar taunted.
Jean Claude rose to his feet, coming to stand alongside Serena. The young princess tried to move away as his hand rose to rest on the top of her head. "Agreed—this poor little creature is so delicate. It would be such a shame to harm her, or your dear wife," he said.
Raphael strode forward before Alister could stop him, his eyes blazing. He had already drawn his sword. "Let them go!" he snarled, pointing the blade at the two other men. His voice was full of anger, but it also shook.
Ishtar looked perfectly at ease. "How about I don't?" he asked pleasantly. "I have something different in mind."
He carelessly tossed a green stone that glittered in the sunlight—orichalcum—and the stone fell to the floor. The moment it touched the carpet, the shard of orichalcum shone with an ethereal light. A green circle lined with runes flared out around Raphael. Frighteningly familiar green lightning crackled menacingly along the floor as the circle collapsed around Raphael. The lightning formed into one solid column and then slammed into the man.
Elya let out a muffled but horrified scream, struggling to get to him. Serena began to cry.
"Raphael!"
Alister had dropped his bow. He grabbed Raphael's arm to try and pull him out of the circle, but Ishtar tossed another orichalcum shard at Alister's feet. Within seconds, Alister was in the same predicament that Raphael was.
As the circles glowed around the men, identical rings were forming around Elya and Serena. Theirs were smaller, more concentrated, and they were forming around both of their necks. Both women's eyes closed against the spell, both flinching away from the magic.
The circles around Raphael and Alister both began to shrink as well, until they both had identical rings around their own necks. They dropped to their hands and knees as the circles both vanished, skin twitching and both men panting harshly.
Jean Claude snapped his fingers. A new group of guards pulled them roughly to their feet.
"Gentlemen, let me explain what just happened," said Jean Claude brightly. "Eyes on me, please, as this is important."
The two men had to take time to recover, finally managing to open their eyes to look at him. Neither spoke, still winded from the spell.
"You've just been the first of the few remaining castle guards placed under a gag spell. What is that. you ask? Well, I'll show you in a moment. It will be one that you and those remaining guards loyal to Prince Jousef will be placed under.
"Let me tell you what's going to happen from here. From now on, I am your new prince. As of this moment, none of you can say otherwise. You cannot say Prince Jousef's name. You cannot say Princess Serena's name. You are not to speak of Tristan, or of what has just happened in this throne room. You can't even say Elya's name. If you do…"
Jean Claude snapped his fingers. The gags dropped away from both Elya and Serena as the glowing collars reappeared. Within seconds, lightning was crackling around them and traveling down their bodies. Both screamed in pain as they were punished by the spell, their cries echoing through the throne room. Despite his weakened state, Raphael struggled against his captors as he tried to get to them both.
(STOP! STOP IT! YOU'LL KILL SERENA, STOP—!)
Seconds later, the lightning stopped. Serena's head dropped to her chest as the girl passed out; the only reason Elya was still standing was because she was being held up by Ishtar, but she sobbing and breathless.
"And just think, that's only a mild version of this spell," Jean Claude said, smiling beatifically at them all. "Once it has been cast on the rest of Jousef's guards, this little spell will be at full power. Pretty Elya and young Princess Serena will receive the full brunt of the spell—I do not believe Serena will survive a much stronger blast, do you?"
"You're a monster," Raphael managed, his voice a hoarse whisper.
Jean Claude shrugged. "Call me what you will, but I'm in charge now. I'll be lenient this time, Raphael, but I suggest you have an attitude adjustment. I should be transparent with you both as well. Any guard who speaks out will trigger the spell, and all but the one who speaks out will be punished with the spell. I will know who speaks out."
(You bastard—!)
"Now, say goodbye to both Princess Serena and your wife. Rest assured that they'll be safe if you keep your silence. Do not bother looking for them—you will not be able to find them."
The shadows rose, obscuring Elya, Serena, and Ishtar. When they dissipated, all three of them were gone.
"Get them out of here, but don't let them out of your sight until the other men have been silenced. I want the remainder of Jousef's men in here—they need their collars."
He paused. "Oh, one more thing. I am aware that Princess Mai is soon coming for a visit. Don't bother trying to find an ally in her. She's involved in my little ruse. Going to her won't help you. Now, off you go."
The two men were pulled out of the room, struggling in the grips of their captors as Jean Claude waved a cheerful goodbye at them.
Mai stumbled backwards, her grip on Raphael's hand slackening. The memory gem, still glowing and warm to the touch, fell to the dungeon floor and bounced away. She ignored it, her wide-eyed gaze on Raphael. He was breathing hard and bowed in his seat, trembling in place. She didn't need to see his face to know he was close to tears.
"So that's what happened," she breathed softly. "That's why you and Alister were so angry at me. You thought I betrayed Jou and Serena. He has your wife and Serena as hostages as well."
Raphael didn't speak. She thought she saw his head dip, but she could not be certain. She knew he couldn't directly tell her, nor did she need him to.
"Jean Claude never bought your loyalty," she continued, her voice trembling. "He forced it from you, and there wasn't anything you could do about it."
She dropped beside Raphael, her hand resting on top of his tightly folded ones. His head jerked up to meet hers, blue eyes too bright and full of anger and distress.
"I take back every nasty thing I've ever said about you," she said, her own voice choked and soft. "Raphael…I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Her situation had just gotten worse.