The roar of the crowd shook even the stone walls of the palace. Naima had never faced a crowd this large before; a crowd expecting a monumental announcement... She could only pray that they would be received positively.
Atem stood beside her in the antechamber, his arms crossed with an expression of deep thought upon his face. He was used to scenes like this, calm and composed in any and every situation. But for Naima, the gravity of it all nearly smothered her whole. Atem must have sensed her apprehension as he suddenly squeezed her hand tightly, grounding her and lending her strength.
Shada signaled for them, stating that the crowd was ready. In a daze, Naima floated along the hall next to Atem as if she was a ghost, her legs like mush, until they reached their destination - the ornate stone balcony that faced the courtyard that led into the city.
With Atem next to her, Naima took a deep breath and stepped into the light. The sight that awaited them was breathtaking. The crowd stretched out as far as the eye could see, a vast sea of faces all turned towards them. The air vibrated with anticipation, and the roar of the crowd threatened to drown out her very thoughts. Shouts, cheers and chants of "Pharaoh" rang out from every direction until finally Atem raised his hand high in the air prompting an even greater roar from those assembled. Naima was utterly astounded. The sheer enormity of the moment hit her then, a sudden clarity that both terrified and thrilled her.
"People of Egypt," Atem's commanding voice echoed off the stone walls, silencing the crowd. The sudden quiet was deafening.
"I am Atem, the son of Aknamkanon, and the rightful Pharaoh of this kingdom by blood."
As he spoke, the crowd went to their knees in a sweeping wave, their heads bowed in reverence. It was a sight Naima would never forget.
"As your Pharaoh," He raised his arms wide in a gesture of respect. "It is my privilege and solemn duty to serve and protect Egypt and its people. I vow to guide this kingdom through both prosperity and war and to protect the peace and justice that we have long held sacred."
Various cheers echoed throughout the crowd.
Atem's gaze swept over the crowd, taking in the sight of his people, before settling back on her. He took her hand, his fingers interlacing with hers.
"And, it is my honor to announce my marriage to Naima, your new Queen."
At those words, he took her hand in his and raised it to the sky as the crowd cheered. Smiling, excited faces looked at her.
"Together we shall bring peace and prosperity to our nation once more."
The roar of the crowd filled Naima's ears as she stood there before the people.
Her people.
They were cheering for her, their smiling excited faces peering up at her. She was filled with newfound courage. She turned toward Atem with a smile on her face, and she saw his warm eyes as he glanced at her, then faced the crowd once more.
"Please, join me in celebration tonight of the Festival of the Pharaoh. Eat, drink, and celebrate to your hearts content. For the future is bright."
The jubilant cheers of the people filled the streets as they dispersed into the night. Naima felt a bitter-sweet exhilaration dance across her skin, knowing what the evening would bring, and she couldn't help but smile as she followed Atem off of the balcony. But as soon as they stepped inside the hallway, she could barely contain herself from gasping at the scene before her.
The hall was beyond exquisite. Rich linen drapes hung along the walls adorned with deep purple trimmings and vibrant floral arrangements. The tantalizing aromas of freshly prepared dishes filled the air as servants circulated through the room with platters of succulent roast meats and exotic fruits. Female dancers twirled around the space adorned in shimmering bejeweled dresses that glinted in the torchlight.
The air hummed with revelry and merriment, the din of laughter and clinking of goblets echoing throughout.
They marched forward and a hush descended upon the crowd. Everyone got on their hands and knees, heads bowed in reverence as they passed by.
'Get up... why are you stopping for me.' A long lost part of her whispered in her mind.
Atem settled onto his throne and Naima followed, mesmerized by the dancing, the alluring music playing in the background. The servants were kind enough to bring them a variety of delectables of which Naima happily partook. Yielding to the allure of the moment, she even allowed herself two goblets of wine. Atem did the same, relaxing back in his throne as he enjoyed the festivities around him.
Naima barely registered the flash of Isis's necklace in her periphery and her concerned and fearful face until she spun quickly.
"Mahad, quick!" she shouted frantically.
Mahad immediately planted himself in front of them, his cloak billowing like a formidable shield. Bewildered shouts and cries from around them filled the air with a sense of tension that Naima could almost taste, yet it felt miles away due to her hazed vision.
"Seize him!" Seto commanded, his blue eyes alight with fury.
Naima whipped her gaze upwards, watching two guards tackle a man to the ground and bind him tightly with rope.
"What is going on?" Naima hissed to Atem, and to Mahad who was still in front of them.
Neither of them answered, fixated on the commotion in front of them.
"Bring this scum before the Pharaoh, now." Seto seethed.
A man appeared from the crowd and was brought before them, restrained by two guards. His face was a mix of defiance and fear.
"How dare you interrupt our celebration and sacred ceremony." Isis spat.
"Throw this man into the dungeon." Mahad growled darkly. "We will deal with him later."
Seto glared at the man menacingly, a cruel smirk flashing across his lips. "I've got a better suggestion." he murmured deviously. "Let us proceed with a Millennium Trial - to show all who oppose us just how powerful the Pharaoh's regime is."
Shimon and Aknadin both nodded in agreement next to her. And with Atem's final nod of approval, the full force of the pharaoh's regime stood before him.
"Let us commence with the Millennium trial of this man's soul." Aknadin declared.
Naima's blood ran cold as she remembered her own experience standing before the dreaded Eye of Wdjat. But as she came to understand that he had been sent to murder them with a poison dart, her empathy for him vanished.
As the trial progressed, a clawed, four-armed monster was extracted from the man, and eventually Seto ordered a large stone tablet be brought into the hall.
"The creature within you has no place in this kingdom. I will relinquish it." Seto declared. With a single wave of his Millennium Rod, it was sealed into the tablet, a fleeting growl echoing through the room as it set into the stone with a faint glimmer.
Seto waved his hand dismissively.
"Now that we have gotten what we require out of this fool, he can go rot in the dungeon."
Aknadin's eyes narrowed. He crossed his arms over his chest. "We have expelled the evil from his heart Seto. By decree, he should go free."
Seto paid no heed to Aknadin's words, instead shooting Mahad a cold smirk.
"Isn't palace security your job? How convenient that an intruder was able to crash the Pharaoh's party while you were off daydreaming. I guess it takes a special kind of incompetence to fail at your job so spectacularly."
Mahad's jaw clenched as he took in Seto's venom laced words.
He turned toward Atem and knelt before him.
"I am sorry for my failure, My Pharaoh... Not having the Millennium Ring has made things increasingly difficult."
The tablet was eventually dragged away and the hall descended into a thick and anxious silence. Naima sat back into her chair and sighed, scanning around the room and eventually catching sight of Isis's necklace glowing eerily. Her heart fluttered in her throat.
"What do you see Isis?" Karim hissed toward her.
Isis held her hands up to her neck, the glowing necklace almost pulsating on her skin.
"A dark force, worse than anything that we could have imagined. It is coming for us."
The energy in the room shifted, a tangible dread sweeping through. Then, the doors flew open and Naima's blood turned to ice as she realized who was before them.
Bakura.
He stood at the entrance mounted atop a black stallion, a large gold object tied to its body.
Terror clawed her insides as her heart skipped several beats.
'No, It cannot be...'
He strode through the doors atop his horse, the large object tied to its body dragging behind him on the granite floors.
Naima squinted her eyes, and her heart leapt into her throat. It was a sarcophagus.
The sarcophagus of Aknamkanon.
A bitter taste flooded her mouth as a chill swept through her. She was glued to her seat, unable to move while Bakura rode into the great hall atop his horse, dragging Akanmkanon's sarcophagus behind him. He halted in the center of the room and locked his icy eyes with her, before they slid away to Atem. A cruel smirk curved his lips.
"Well? Did you miss me? I am rather insulted that I hadn't been invited to your big celebration."
"Bakura." Atem growled as he eyed the sarcophagus on the floor, fury and disgust rolling off him in waves.
"Why are you here and what have you done?"
A sly smirk appeared on Bakura's face, the Millennium Ring glinting atop his chest.
"Why else my Pharaoh, but to add to my glorious collection of the Millennium Items," he crooned.
Bakura dismounted from his horse and untied the sarcophagus from its body.
"In exchange, I have brought you back something you have missed so dearly. But before I give it to you, I'll be sure to give it my own special touch."
He lifted his robe up to his hips, exposing himself. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips before a putrid stench filled the chamber. Naima watched, aghast, as Bakura proceeded to urinate onto the sarcophagus.
Bakura then stepped back, cackling, before giving it a final kick in their direction. Naima watched in horror as the sarcophagus skidded across the granite floor before settling right at Atem's feet. Fury lit up Atem's eyes as the gilded face of Aknamkanon lay defiled and stained with urine. Naima's heart pounded in her ears as she watched, helpless and outraged.
Atem's face was contorted with disbelief and outrage unlike anything she had ever seen before.
"Bakura," he snarled, his voice thick with rage. "Your disrespect is appalling."
A cruel smirk spread across Bakura's face. "It was only a joke, Pharaoh," he taunted. "Surely you can appreciate the irony of having the king of thieves blessing your reign?"
"You are an arrogant fool who will not escape punishment," Seto said coldly as he raised his Millennium Rod. "Behold the might of the High Court of Egypt!"
Atem stepped forward from his throne, his eyes blazing with ferocious intensity.
"Crossing us was a mistake you will regret," Atem said menacingly. "Now your soul must be judged by the Millennium Items."
"You think your little rules and court apply to me? If you have not noticed already, Pharaoh, your kingdom is one revolt away from anarchy." Bakura snarled.
"Bring us a sealing tablet at once." Seto shouted. "Let the Millennium trial begin."
It was a trial that evolved into a battle between good and evil, an examination and a test of skill. However, Bakura's Diabound proved to be too strong against even the High Court of Egypt.
"How can this be?" Karim exclaimed, watching as Seto recovered from a blow to his Ka from Bakura's Diabound.
"This is your weakness," Bakura spat. "You rely too heavily on the power of the Millennium Items and are unprepared to face an enemy with more strength and cunning."
He stepped forward, glaring at Aknankanon's sarcophagus with repulsion.
"This is what you get for trusting a ruler whose kingdom can't even protect itself against someone of my caliber," he sneered, before turning to Atem and Seto with an arrogant smirk on his face. "It seems this reign will be coming to an end soon."
"How dare you insult the Pharaohs of Egypt and descrate the great Pharaoh Aknamkanon's resting place." Karim growled.
"Great Pharaoh?" Bakura spat. "He was a tyrant! He wanted power... Which is why he destroyed my home and killed my people in order create those Millennium Items that you all use without any thought."
Naima's mind reeled as memories of her mother and Aknadin in the meeting room bombarded her.
"What you speak of is treason." Aknadin shouted.
"If you don't believe me, you probably are not aware of the Millennium Stone. It lies in my village. The one who gathers all the Millennium items in the stone will be given the ultimate power." Bakura replied with a glimmer in his eye.
"Treasonous lies. All of it. We will banish you and your evil from where you came." Shada said.
"Enough of this." Karim said. "Let us destroy him."
"There is nothing I would like better." said Seto.
Bakura grinned and his wicked laughter echoed through the palace walls. "You fools are no match for my single monster! Just one more Diabound attack and your kingdom will be rubble."
He was right.
After multiple losses, everyone was hunched over. Meanwhile Atem seethed in silent fury, his father's desecrated sarcophagus at his feet.
"How dare you defile this sacred space and defile my ancestors." Atem growled. "This is despicable, even for you. Now leave this palace before I remove you."
Bakura cackled, ignoring him.
"How pathetic. You and your puny weaklings will not defeat me. I will enjoy this victory, Pharaoh. And your Millennium Items will be mine."
One minute Naima was sitting there, the next she saw Atem's diadhank shoot out. A massive white cylinder of light blinded her and a roar deafened her ears. The light eventually faded to reveal a giant dragon, its red scales shimmering in the torchlight, and she realized she was now laying eyes on the Sky Dragon that found allegiance with Atem. He had summoned it, again.
"Hah! You fool... You unleash that dragon again? My diabound takes on the abilities of every monster it fights, and it grows stronger by the day." Bakura's eyes had an evil glint to them. "I beat your Sky Dragon once before, and I will beat it again."
The force of their powers collided in a blast that shook the entire room. Naima gripped the edges of her arm rest, watching as Slifer's scales dulled beneath Diabound's oppressive darkness, and she felt hope start to disappear. Bakura wore a cold smirk on his face as Slifer began to slowly fade away.
But as despair threatened to take hold, an unexpected glint flashed in the eyes of Slifer. Amidst the haze in the room, an awe-inspiring figure arose to loom over them— blue armor flashing like lightning against the torches, boasting a presence that could barely be contained.
A second divine beast had been summoned by Slifer from some hidden plane of existence, seemingly drawing from a reserve of power beyond comprehension.
A gasp of surprise rippled through the hall at the sight of a new entity. An unknown monster, draped in powerful magic that surpassed even Divine Slifer's formidable might. No one even dared to move a muscle.
Bakura's cocky smirk vanished in an instant. Magic radiated from the creature, and when it laid its eyes upon Bakura, the thief took an uneasy step back.
"What is that?"
"Geb?" Naima muttered under her breath. "Is that... Obelisk the Tormentor?"
Atem glanced at her when she spoke, understanding dawning in his gaze.
"That," Atem grinned confidently. "Is our reinforcement."
A deafening explosion reverberated through the hall accompanied by a blinding light. The two monsters clashed, unleashing their destructive forces upon each other. Obelisk the Tormentor's energy was far stronger than Bakura's dark monster, and with another wave of power, it seemed that Obelisk was about to win.
The balance of the battle had quickly shifted, and with it, the atmosphere in the great hall. Bakura paused, as if he could feel the fate of his victory hanging in the air. His smirk was gone now, replaced only by a sneer. He quickly barked an order to Diabound to retreat. With one more spiteful glance at Atem, he leapt onto his horse and rode away, leaving the hall awash in a stunned silence.
"Guards! After him!" someone shouted.
A flurry of movement erupted from all directions, people scrambling in pursuit of Bakura. But Atem's gaze stayed fixed on Obelisk, watching as the divine beast started to dissipate into mist until there was nothing left but wisps of smoke in its wake.
Naima climbed to her feet, joining Atem at his side. Their fingers quickly twined together. Atem squeezed her hand before leading her back to the balcony where they once stood together and addressed a cheering crowd. Now, when she peered out into the horizon, fires lined the city streets as guards worked frantically to contain the unrest.
A hidden moon lurked behind an impenetrable wall of navy clouds, and they stood together in awed silence. Atem's firm grip on her hand was the only thing tethering her to reality as fear crept through her veins.
The swish of fabric broke the silence, and they both spun around to find Mahad. He stood a respectful distance away, his gaze downcast, his features etched with regret. His usual aura of calm confidence was replaced with a palpable guilt.
"My Pharaoh, my Queen," he uttered. "I deeply apologize for the disgraceful incident that occurred."
Atem glanced at him, his eyes softening at Mahad's contrite stance. He walked over to him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Mahad, it's not your fault," Atem told him, his tone steady. "Bakura was an unforeseen threat, one that we weren't prepared for."
Mahad's frame tightened, his jaw like stone. His fierce gaze didn't flinch from the marble beneath his feet.
"I swear on my life, Pharaoh," he said with a fervor that made Naima's heart ache. "I will not rest until Bakura is brought to justice. I will make amends for my failure."
For a brief moment, a heavy silence filled the space between them, but it was quickly broken by the sound of quick, light footsteps echoing in the stone corridor.
A moment later, Mana burst onto the balcony. Her chestnut hair bounced around her face as she skidded to a halt, an excited gleam in her eyes.
"Mahad!" she cried, her voice full of concern. "I just heard... what happened." Her gaze darted between Mahad and Naima, taking in their serious expressions.
Mahad turned slowly to face her, his eyes heavy with regret. Mana visibly flinched at his haunted look, but then she squared her shoulders.
"Mahad," she said, stepping closer and placing her hands on her hips in a mock-angry posture, "If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times. You can't carry the weight of the world on your shoulders!"
She poked him in the chest for emphasis. Mahad seemed taken aback by her outburst, but then his lips quirked upwards into a small smile.
"I know, Mana," he admitted, some of the tension draining from his face. "But it's not easy to forget."
"You can't change what's happened," Mana said, her tone softening. "But we're all in this together, remember?"
-o0o-
As dawn bled across the sky washing the city in a soft golden light, Atem and Naima were not cuddling in bed, or quietly making love like usual this time of the morning. Instead, they found themselves in an urgent meeting.
The tight space of the meeting room was heavy and fraught with tension. Naima could feel their collective anxiety in her bones, palpable beneath the flickering torchlight. They all sat close together around the wooden table.
Their recent encounter with Bakura had shaken everyone to their core. The unchecked power of the rogue thief, and now, the appearance of Obelisk the Tormentor, the divine manifestation of Geb who was sent to protect earth. The room was awhirl with questions, concerns, and fear.
"We must locate Obelisk," Shimon declared, his eyes hard with determination. "We can't afford to let this power fall into the wrong hands."
Shada nodded in agreement. "Shimon is correct. This divine beast is a significant asset. Our priority should be to secure it before anyone else."
Seto's gaze swept over the group. "We cannot allow such a powerful entity to get away from us. Who knows what could happen if it falls into the wrong hands."
Shada nodded in agreement. "That's correct, Seto. And considering the display of power we witnessed, it's not only a matter of keeping it away from the wrong hands, but also understanding its capabilities."
Aknadin, to Naima's surprise, was notably quiet. A flicker of suspicion danced in Naima's mind, but she quickly brushed it aside. Now was not the time for baseless accusations, especially when the safety of their kingdom was at stake.
Karim spoke up. "We need to act swiftly. We've seen how Bakura has grown in power. If he were to get his hands on this divine beast..."
He didn't need to finish the sentence. The implications hung in the air.
Isis interjected, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the anxiety permeating the room. "We must remember that Slifer summoned this entity. It only answers a call from a select few, just like Slifer answers to Atem. It stands to reason that it might not answer to another's call as willingly."
Mahad, still wearing his guilt like a shroud, was silent. His eyes were clouded with a mix of determination and regret. He had a score to settle with Bakura, and the rest of the court could see that.
The meeting continued, the room alive with heated debates and strategizing. They were the protectors of Egypt, sworn to ensure its safety and prosperity. They would find this divine beast, secure it, and ensure the power it held would not fall into the wrong hands.
Yet, amidst all the strategizing, Naima couldn't help but glance over at Aknadin every now and then. There was something off about him that she couldn't quite place.
Mahad, who had been silent throughout most of the meeting, eventually found his voice. He stood up, the faint traces of guilt still visible on his face, but his voice rang clear and strong.
"Rest assured," he began, "the tomb of Aknamkanon will never be disturbed again. My team of sorcerers is casting a spell right now to secure its walls as we speak. I shall personally ensure the tomb's safety myself."
"Thank you, Mahad." Atem said.
Seto crossed his arms over his chest and smirked.
"The illustrious Mahad is on the job," Seto drawled. "We can all sleep peacefully tonight."
"That is enough, Seto," Shimon reprimanded sternly.
"Yes, I agree." Atem spat as he glared at Seto.
Court was eventually dismissed, and everyone filed out of the meeting room with a muted rumble, their minds elsewhere. Naima stared after Aknadin as he stormed away to his chamber.
Atem gently grabbed her hand, his eyes searching hers.
"Everything alright?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
No. But Naima didn't have the courage to admit it to him.
She bit her lip and nodded determinedly. "Yes. I am optimistic. We will figure all of this out, eventually."
Atem's eyes crackled with understanding. His lips quirked into an uplifting, if somber smile, before he finally murmured his agreement.
"I believe you're right."
-o0o-
Sleep came quickly to both of them that night. But despite her tired body, Naima's mind was alive with dreams. She found herself walking in a place neither here nor there—a nebulous swirl of twilight and nothingness.
A peculiar hourglass hung in the void before her. It was encased in translucent crystal, glowing with golden sands that sparkle like pieces of the sun within. An indescribable force drew her closer and closer, yet still out of reach. The grains moved gently, though not stirred by any wind she could feel. Images danced between the ripples.
Gentle hands appeared amidst the grains as if they were its creator. Naima looked on, a feeling of familiarity washing through her body. An ominous figure entered from the shadows, eyes ablaze with avarice as he grasped at the hourglass. The sands swirl again, and soon the hourglass is hanging alone in the void once more.
...
The next morning, a frantic knock on the door tore both Naima and Atem from their slumber, the insistent pounding echoing ominously through the stillness of the early dawn. Heart pounding, Naima scrambled out of bed as Atem did the same.
In the doorway stood Karim, his normally composed face drawn with worry. The sight of him in such a state filled Naima with a deep sense of dread.
"There's been an incident at the tomb of Aknamkanon," he said, his voice wrought with tension.
Without a word, Atem quickly dressed and Naima followed suit. The early morning air was cool as they hurriedly made their way through the silent palace, their footsteps echoing through the empty corridors.
By the time they reached the tomb, the rays of dawn were beginning to paint the sky with strokes of pink and orange. But the beauty of the sunrise was lost on them, their attention drawn to the scene unfolding before them.
A crowd had gathered outside the tomb, the air thick with grief and confusion. At the sight of them, the crowd parted to let them through and as they approached, the reality of what had transpired began to sink in.
There, inscribed on a large stone tablet was the image of Mahad's Ka.
"What happened?" Atem demanded.
No one answered. A flurry of hoofbeats reverberated in the distance and Isis appeared on horseback, her eyes sweeping across the scene before her. She closed her eyes and breathed out as if she'd been expecting this all along.
"So it's true," she muttered.
Everyone looked toward her.
"Mahad lost his life defending the tomb of Aknamkanon." Isis said somberly.
Shock rippled through the crowd.
"He may have left us in body, but his spirit is very much alive and lives in that stone. In fact, he is even stronger now. He became the Dark Magician," Isis spoke, her voice steady despite the tears welling in her eyes. "His Ka and Ba are now one. His spirit will live on and protect us."
Silence fell over the crowd as Isis's words sank in. Naima felt a chill run down her spine, a cold sense of realization seeping in. Mahad was gone. But in his place, he had left a guardian.
Atem stood tall, his face a stoic mask, but Naima could see the pain in his eyes. She reached out, her fingers intertwining with his, seeking comfort in his presence as much as offering it. The tragedy of loved ones falling too soon and too close together was a feeling all too familiar to them.
Mana's cries shattered the silence. "Please, Atem," she cried, her voice choked. "Bring him back! I know you can do it. Please!"
Her words hung heavily. Naima's heart ached at the desperation in Mana's voice, at the raw grief etched into her young face. Atem moved towards Mana who was almost inconsolable. He knelt beside her, placing an arm around her shoulders.
"Mana," he said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
"We must respect Mahad's choice."
The air seemed to grow colder at his words. Mana looked at Atem through her tear-streaked face, her breath hitching as she tried to suppress the sobs threatening to shake her small body.
Atem's gaze softened and he pulled Mana into a comforting embrace as she cried.
The sight of Mana was a somber reminder of the soul-crushing price they had paid for this fight; a reminder of what they had lost and why they must persevere - not only for their own survival, but to bring forth a more hopeful tomorrow.
Authors note: Guys, I am so sorry for the extended hiatus. I have been dealing with some personal issues. But now I am ready and focused on this story again. I know I've been MIA on here but I've been doing quite a bit of work on this story in the background. My goal is to finish this story by the end of this year.
For this chapter, it was based on episodes 201-205. I tried to remain true to both the original version while still incorporating important plot points from this story, all while trying to not simply rehash the episodes. We are now moving into the home stretch of this story :)