Guards stand alongside the walls, bowing their heads with their hands over their chest. Some attempt to lift their eyes ever so slightly to see what's happening, while others try to help, only to be shooed away.
The pharaoh, a man with tricolored spiky hair, narrowed amethyst eyes and sporting a golden crown with the eye of Horus engraved on it, walks briskly to the infirmary. His off-white tank is stained with blood that doesn't belong to him. His arms ache as he carries a motionless woman, a sorceress with brown spiky hair going downward. One of her arms dangles from the side while her other is over her chest with a blue wand containing a golden spear on top rests barely in her palm.
"Please pharaoh," his advisor Shimon pleads as he tries to keep up. "Allow someone to help y—"
"Where's Mahad?!" Atem yells, growing more anxious and irritated. The wounds are deep and a normal doctor won't be able to help aside from attempting to stop the bleeding. But someone like Mahad, a fellow sorcerer, would know what to do.
"H-He's—" Shimon starts off, taken aback by Atem's tone.
Atem reaches the infirmary, hurrying past the doctors and gently placing the woman on the bed. She hasn't moved one inch, only causing his stomach to do backflips as he stares down at her worriedly.
"Just hang in there," Atem tells her.
"We need to allow the doctors to tend to her sire," Shimon advises, standing behind Atem who's hunched over the woman's body, cupping one of her cheeks. He's sure the pharaoh didn't hear him, too clouded by the range of emotions he's feeling.
Tears threaten to fall, but Atem manages to blink them away for now. He has to remain strong. No one must see him crumbling under the weight of his emotions. It's a sign of weakness and someone of his stature must not show any signs of that.
But she still hasn't moved.
He finds himself staring at her chest, searching for any signs of movement, even if subtle. Is she breathing? Or perhaps his hopeful thinking is allowing him to 'see' that she's breathing, but it's not reality.
Sensing the doctors beginning to surround him, he stands up straight with his hands clenched at his sides. A comforting hand from Shimon lands on his upper back and he breathes a heavy sigh before looking over his shoulder at his trusted advisor. Even the doctors seem fidgety, knowing what's on the line here. Their queen's life is in their hands. Should she not make it, all eyes will be on them.
Shimon seems to be the only calm one in the room at this very moment. In all his years of serving the kingdom, Atem assumes his advisor has seen a lot which has left him prepared for moments like this.
Atem takes one last look at the woman. Freaking out will only make matters worse. Until Mahad comes, he has to put his faith in the doctors and believe they will do everything they can in the meantime.
"Wake up, Mana…"
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A splash of water hits her face, causing her body to shoot up as she coughs and gags for air. Her heart pounds and she places a hand to her chest as she looks around in a fright. It isn't until she hears the laughter of children that she realizes what happened. The shade from the bush hovering above her offers her relief from the sun's rays, but isn't enough to conceal her from bullies as she took a nap.
Sniffling and wiping the tears that trickle down her cheeks, she gets up and out into the open, only to have those same bullies waiting on her.
"Oh you're finally up, Mana. Thought you might need a bath," one of the girls teases. "You're welcome." The taunting is followed by more laughter.
Mana, a girl with brown hair and very short in comparison to the other kids, stands with her head bowed and her arms loosely at her sides. The laughing and taunting only grows, though muffled in her mind. This isn't new. The kids in her village always made fun of her. She is the youngest and therefore an easy target. It doesn't make it any less tiresome though.
Enough is enough.
"Aww, is the little baby gonna cry?" the girl continues, placing her closed fists up to her eyes as she imitates crying.
Instead, a smirk appears on Mana's lips, catching them all off guard. Using the back of her arm, she wipes the remaining snot off her nose before going into a full out charge, tackling the bully to the ground and slapping her mercilessly on the face.
"Ack! Get her off me! Ow! That hurts!" the bully cries.
Mana continues to flail her arms until someone behind her snatches her up by the back of her shirt, allowing for the bullies to get away.
"That was quite the display," a boy with light grey hair and dark grey eyes says, placing her on the ground. He is about a foot taller than her, his melanin skin is the same as hers and he is toned for someone his age.
Mana straightens out her skirt and brings up the sleeve of her shirt, allowing it to rest neatly on her shoulder. "I only did what you told me to Bakura!" Mana replies, pouting her lips. Her finally fighting off those bullies comes as no surprise to Bakura. He always knew she had spunk. She just needed that push. So he taught her what to do if someone ever tried to come against her.
Bakura waves his hands in defense with a small chuckle. "Easy, easy! No need to get upset." He smiles down at her. "I'm actually proud of you."
"Proud?" She tilts her head.
"Yeah! You finally stood up to those bullies! I'm sure they'll never bother you again!"
Mana beams from ear to ear. He's right. After having to endure so much from those mean kids, she finally proved that she isn't one to be messed with. "What are you doing here?" she asks before frowning. "You didn't run away again did you?"
Bakura lives in a nearby village by the name of Kul Elna. Due to that village's reputation, they aren't typically allowed where Mana resides. Since Bakura is only a child, he is able to get away with it, though that doesn't stop the disgusted glances from some villagers occasionally. The two of them met when Bakura ran away from home. He had snuck off to the Nile where he nearly drowned from the strong waves. Miraculously, Mana saved him and they have been best friends ever since.
"Even if I did, it's no big deal," Bakura replies with a shrug before running off.
"Hey! Wait up!" Mana calls after him, going as fast as her little legs will take her to catch up.
She follows him to the outskirts of the village, just where it meets the sands of the desert. Mana is convinced one thing she will never be able to do is beat Bakura in a race, nor does she even want to try. Trying to keep up with him leaves her so winded every single time. Hunched over with her hands on her knees, she breathes heavily to catch her breath. When she finally regains her composure, she lifts up and turns her head to him.
He stares straight ahead as the wind gently blows through his hair. His eyes are focused but are somewhat dazed as well as he gazes into the distance. "What's it like in there?" he asks suddenly, looking at the large structure ahead. A palace with large walls surrounding it on all sides.
Mana follows his gaze. "Hm? You mean that big old palace where all the shiny stuff is?"
"Yeah, that."
She shrugs her shoulders. "I don't know."
"Surely you do. Your parents work there right?"
Mana nods. Her parents serve in the palace every day and bring her along. It's a job they take great pride in. To serve the pharaoh is a huge honor and privilege they don't take lightly. But to her, it's just a place where she's constantly bored and getting in trouble in the process.
"I mean…I guess it's okay," she continues.
"That's it? That's all you have to say about it?" Bakura asks in disbelief.
"Well there is this boy…he's around our age and he's the prince. He doesn't speak much but he seems nice."
"Ah, so that's the highlight of your visits," Bakura says somewhat teasingly, earning a glare from the small girl.
"No! And well...I wouldn't want to live there!" she replies. "Can you imagine someone watching your every move?"
"But the prince gets whatever he wants at the snap of a finger!"
"That is true," Mana says, cupping her chin with thought. Though she can't help but think it would be a lot of pressure to be in that sort of position.
"Must be nice to be able to live like that. Meanwhile…" Bakura lowers his eyes. "…my family is barely staying afloat. Trying to make a living is hard there when everyone sees you as the scum of the earth."
"I don't think you're scum."
"Yeah…I know. It's just sometimes I wish things were different."
Mana crouches down, beginning to draw lines in the sand. "I guess that's just how it is. Some are luckier than others."
"You're telling me you wouldn't want to be queen? You've never daydreamed about it?"
Mana shakes her head. "What for? Besides, it doesn't seem like it would be any fun."
Bakura sighs. "Guess your mind is made up then. I suppose it isn't realistic to think that could one day be one of us," He chuckles lightly. "Who needs all that flashy stuff anyway?"
"Yeah! As long as we have each other is all that matters!"
"We just have to do the best we can with cards we were dealt."
"Cards?" Mana looks around confused. "What cards?"
Bakura dims his eyes. "Nevermind."
Mana looks up at him and giggles, earning a smile from him.
"Well one thing I know for certain…we'll be friends no matter what cards come our way!" Bakura declares.
Mana grins happily. "Yeah! Friends forever!"
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The aroma of food fills her nostrils the following evening as she sits under a table while her parents prepare a big feast for the royal family and its subjects. Many of her attempts of sneaking food have ended in failure thanks to her father's keen senses. The back of her hand is red and sore from being swatted at with a wooden spoon by him. He sighs exasperatedly at his daughter's persistence.
Mana whines and brings her knees close, resting her chin on top of them. Maybe she should finally give up her efforts. But it just doesn't seem fair. Sure the food is being made for a certain prince's ninth birthday, but she's starving. Having eaten just two hours ago is certainly not enough. At least not for her big appetite.
While her parents continue to prepare the scrumptious meal, she crawls on her knees, sneaking out of the room and into the hall. Other servants carry red fabric and other decorations to be placed in the dining area of the palace. Everyone is so hyper focused on their tasks that Mana feels invisible to them, though it makes it easier for her to wander around without being called out or questioned.
Most would feel impressed by the tall walls, elaborate statues, glossy clean floors and shiny vases within the palace. But not Mana. In fact she wonders why one would need all these things. More rooms than she can count, hallways that someone can easily be lost in, people doing everything they're ordered to do.
She begins to think back to Bakura's question of wanting to be queen as she walks aimlessly down another hall. Hitting something just as she turns the corner jolts her out of her thoughts. She grunts as she falls on her stomach. What just happened? Bringing herself to her knees, she rubs her head and lifts her eyes, only to be met with a hand slightly bigger than hers.
Raising her head, a light gasp escapes her lips seeing a boy wearing a tank, knee length skirt, blue cape and a golden crown. His hair is truly a sight to behold. Not even his father, the pharaoh, has such spiky tricolored hair. At least that's what she thinks. She's never actually seen his father's hair.
"Sorry," the prince apologizes, quickly helping her to her feet. Mana only stares at him, bringing the minor scuffle to an uncomfortable silence. The prince blinks once. "Uh…h-hello."
"Hey," Mana replies with a blank stare. Typically their interactions are short and somewhat awkward. Her parents have always instructed her to stay away from the prince and anyone of royalty in hopes of avoiding any opportunity for Mana to come off as rude. And if she just so happens to come face to face with the royal family or court, she is to bow and express gratitude for being in their presence.
"What's your name?" Mana asks, completely disregarding any advice her parents have given her.
"Hm?" the prince cocks his head to the side, taken off guard by the question. "I'm uh…"
"Hey, little girl!" a guard calls out to Mana, making her jump. "What are you doing with the prince?"
Mana chuckles nervously, sliding one foot back before making a run for it.
"Come back here!"
The prince glances back at the guard then to Mana who is already half way down the hall. Then he makes a run for it as well to the guard's surprise.
"Prince! Stop!"
Mana huffs and puffs, running as fast as she can and blindly running down any hall that will get her away from the guard as much as possible. Hearing another pair of quick footsteps her heart drops into her stomach. The guard will catch her, bring her back to her parents and she will be in so much trouble for causing such a commotion. It's over for her.
To her surprise when she looks over, it's none other than the prince running alongside her. He has caught up to her with ease. His face is unfazed, making it hard for her to tell if he's annoyed or enjoying this break in his routine.
"To your right," he says.
She raises an eyebrow. "Huh?"
He grabs her by the hand, yanking her to the right. The abrupt motion makes them topple into a wooden door, nearly detaching it completely. Then the prince sits up, using his foot to shut the door while Mana lays on the floor breathing heavily.
She closes her eyes for a moment to bring her heart rate down and calm her breathing. She didn't know this would happen just from her sneaking away from her parents. But it seems now she is safe thanks to the prince. When she reopens her eyes, her mouth goes agape. This room is huge in size, full of toys and the humongous bed must belong to the prince. She jumps to her feet, still looking with awe while the prince walks past her.
"Is this all yours?!" Mana exclaims.
The prince quickly covers her mouth with his hand, signaling her to keep it down with just his eyes alone. When he is certain she has gotten the point, he lowers his hand and then walks to the window. Mana follows him, only to be surprised yet again at the view. They can see the lights from the various villages that lay outside of the palace. The night sky paired with the full moon makes for a very beautiful sight. She has never viewed the village from this point of view, but she is truly amazed.
"Wow…" Mana whispers, her eyes wide with astonishment.
The prince looks over to her, a smile creeping on his lips and Mana returns his gaze, smiling as well.
She then points off into the distance to the left at a village. "I live over there," she tells him. "All the way in the back, you see?"
"Amazing," the prince says.
Mana eyes widen with surprise. He's amazed? Even with all he has? He sure is interesting.
"It's your birthday right?"
"Yes, it's my birthday," he replies.
"Happy birthday!" Mana throws her hands in the air, grinning from ear to ear.
His smile becomes a little bigger. "Thank you."
"It must be something having all these people prepare for your big day! I'm sure you'll get even more gifts and delicious food because my parents are making it and—" Her smile drops with realization. "Uh oh!"
He frowns. "Something wrong?"
"I gotta go!" she dashes for the door. "My mommy and daddy are gonna be so mad if they find out I wandered off!"
"Wait! Will you be alright going by yourself?"
"See you later!" Mana says, completely disregarding his concerns. She reaches for the door, opening it partially and preparing to leave, then she pauses to turn her head to him. "My name's Mana!"
Before he can respond, she runs out, leaving him alone. They have crossed paths before, but he never knew her name until now. He vows the next time he sees her, he'll tell her his name as well.
"Good bye Mana…"
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In a lower area of the palace, an older man sits on his designated chair, leaning his chin on his hand and resting his arm on the armrest. His face is partially concealed with a hood and a candle lit nearby shows the lower half of his face. In his other hand he holds a cup of wine, swirling it occasionally and taking small sips.
"Unbelievable my brother would be having a huge celebration for that son of his at a time like this," he grumbles. "If we don't take action now, all of Egypt will be in danger."
He looks over to a nearby platform where a book sits on a podium. "The Millennium Spellbook…" he says before taking another sip. "I've already told my brother my plans and he has agreed. And even though he wants to wait to use the spell to create the Millennium Items, today seems like the perfect time while everyone is distracted."
A guard loyal to the man bows his head. "What would you like for us to Master Aknadin?" he asks.
Aknadin puts down his cup. "Let us begin."
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AN: And here's the start of my newest story. I was originally going to make this a short story, but honestly couldn't bring myself to do it. I hope everyone enjoys what I've written so far! Please review and let me know what you think!