Thank you for these characters and their stories, Kazuki Takahashi. Requiescat in pace.
Chapter Seventy
Professor Hawkins had been kidnapped by some men dressed in black, according to Rebecca. She'd been out grocery shopping and had barely returned in time to see the abduction take place. Thankfully, she'd been far enough away when the research facility exploded and sustained only a few minor scrapes. The professor's truck and trailer were nearby, allowing us a place to rest and regroup.
Enough of my magic had returned that I could heal her wounds without much issue. Her eyes widened in amazement when my fingers glowed with white light, and as I gently traced over her injuries, the scrapes vanished, the pain along with them. When I finished, I smiled at her and wiped the remaining tears from her face.
"Your grandfather will be alright, Rebecca. He'll be back before you know it."
She nodded quietly, probably not believing me but nevertheless grasping onto my encouragement to keep herself afloat. I stroked her hair once more before turning my attention towards the rest of the group, who were all staring at me with burning questions in their eyes. There'd be no dancing around the truth tonight.
"Dria, what did Pegasus mean in his message to you? Something about telling us a story? Does it have to do with the professor's kidnapping?"
I visibly flinched at Duke's mention of my father and his personal message. I could only imagine that the professor had been kidnapped for some reason related to Atlantis, but I wasn't sure how much he had discovered through his research. I closed my eyes for a moment and took a deep breath before revealing more of my secrets.
"I've been cursed by a spell of immortality. I have been since before I was Queen of Egypt five thousand years ago. I'm not entirely certain of what it has to do with Professor Hawkins, though I could posit a guess."
"So, you're more than five thousand years old?"
Clenching my jaw, I nodded slowly at Tristian's question. Tremors began racing around my body, and it was only with great difficulty that I managed to lessen the trembling while on the couch between Yugi and Rebecca. Yugi gently grasped my shoulder, smiling as he always did, in response to my anxiety. I exhaled slowly before continuing.
"I was born in the kingdom of Atlantis roughly ten thousand years ago. My birth father Leandros was a stonemason and a warrior, while I was trained in the magical arts and served as a high priestess in one of the many temples connected to the Realm of Monsters. I know Professor Hawkins was researching the ancient kingdom, and you heard Pegasus reference his own investigation of it as well. The two must be connected somehow. "
The others stared in silence, clearly unsure of how to respond to this revelation. Rebecca's eyes grew as wide as saucers, and her mouth hung slightly open. Learning that her grandfather's research had in fact been correct must have been shocking. The group glanced back and forth between me and Yugi, trying to follow whatever lead he gave them. He nodded at them with confidence, and almost at once, the tension in our small space lightened. Tea tentatively asked a question.
"What was your birth father like?"
Her question surprised me. She, of all the people, was the one I'd expected to use this new information against me to push me away from Yugi and the Pharaoh. Something had changed between us in recent months. A genuine smile crossed my face as I began to see her in a new light, hopeful that we'd share a happier relationship moving forward.
"Leandros was one of the kindest men I've ever known, and I'm not just saying that because he was my father. He had a way of making everyone feel seen and heard, no matter how busy he was. Growing up, people from all walks of life would come to him for advice, knowing he would set aside whatever he was doing to listen, offering his thoughts without a hint of judgment.
He raised me on his own, and he never spoke about my mother. Even so, I never felt her absence as a loss. Perhaps it was because I saw so much of myself in him; his green eyes mirrored my own, his brown hair that began fading to gray as the years passed. His presence filled every corner of my life, and in many ways, he was all the family I ever needed."
I trailed off, thinking again of the last time I ever saw my father. Even in his final moments, his eyes had held nothing but love for me. My throat tightened as I continued,
"He also possessed incredible physical strength. I suspect it was only a rumor, but many people told me that he was capable of crushing large boulders, even the human body itself, with only his bare hands. Yet every time he lifted me or ruffled my hair, his hands felt as soft and tender as silk. To me, he was as close to a perfect father as anyone could be. I still clearly remember the day he died, saving me from the destruction of Atlantis. Without him, I wouldn't be here before you today."
Joey jumped in at the mention of my homeland's destruction,"What exactly happened to Atlantis?"
I gestured to the stone on my forehead, "The Orichalcos and its Beast happened. They took away everything and everyone I loved as they tore apart my home, stole my family and friends, and then sank Atlantis beneath the ocean."
They stared intently at the diadem, analyzing the stone it contained. As harmless as it seemed, I'd yet to find an object in this world more dangerous than the one currently hanging just within my vision. Out of the corner of my left eye, I saw Rebecca grasp at something just below the neckline of her shirt. A throbbing sensation behind my eye began to grow as I theorized what she was touching.
"How have I not noticed that stone on your forehead, Dria? How long have you had that?"
I smirked slightly, amused by Joey's lack of attention. In his defense, things had been rather hectic lately.
"Yugi noticed it the moment we were reunited. I can't help it if you're too oblivious to spot when something's different. I haven't worn diadems or anything like them in years. They're horribly uncomfortable after a while, especially the ones that dig into my ears or poke at my scalp. Honestly, I'm not wearing this one by choice."
He mumbled something about girls being upset over boys not recognizing different hairstyles or fashion choices, but I chose not to retort. Instead, I stood from my position, needing a breath of fresh air.
"I need to step out for a while to get some air. I imagine this has been as hard on you to hear as it has been on me to tell. There's only a handful of people who've learned the full extent of my past over the years, and each time is as frightening as the last. Regardless, as I swore to you once before, I will protect you with my life. But, I realize that Pegasus was right; you can't be in the dark any longer about my past. If revealing my secrets to you will keep you safe, then it's a risk I must take."
With a subtle bow of my head, I turned and stepped out of the trailer, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on my heart. I knew, even before I closed the door behind me, that the air inside would soon crackle with suspicion once again. They would likely debate the credibility of my story, perhaps even the level of their trust in me.
Though I had not spoken falsehoods outright, I had kept secrets wrapped tightly in my previous answers and actions. I could hardly blame them if their trust began to waver, if they chose to keep their distance or question my every word and action. Through countless ages, I had learned that trust was a gem more rare and exquisite than any treasure forged by mortal hands. Now, I feared I was no longer worthy of that precious gift they had once offered so freely.
The research laboratory Hawkins had built lay in rubble before me. All his hard work over the years had been destroyed beyond repair, keeping many secrets of Atlantis from discovery. Perhaps it had been for the best, though I wished Hawkins and Rebecca hadn't been harmed in the process.
With nothing else to capture my gaze, I turned my eyes to the stars. Though centuries of scientific discovery had deepened my understanding of the universe, I still found comfort in the ancient belief that the stars were guiding lights sent from those above to watch over us. There was something timelessly soothing about them—steady, warm, and reliable, until their inevitable end. A soft breeze whispered through the night, and I shivered at its coolness. Aristokles glimmered briefly on my arm, and with a flash of warmth, a blanket appeared over my shoulders. I smiled at my oldest friend in gratitude, pulling the blanket close to shield him from the chill as well.
"Dria?"
Yugi had stepped outside, the representative of the rest of the group most likely, with a bowl of some kind of stew in his hands. I turned to him, pulling my arms across my chest to hold the blanket tight. This was the third time I'd held back from telling them a vital truth of my life, only to have it explode back in my face. With all my years of experience, I should have learned, but keeping the truth as close to me as possible had been the key to my survival. It kept me alive on many occasions.
"We've made something for dinner. Would you like to come and eat with us?"
I raised an eyebrow and smiled at his opening statement; either he was unaware of the meaning of sharing a meal together or he was more clever than I originally thought. A shared table implied trust and equality, the willingness to share a close space with another. I wasn't sure if I was welcome, or even if I was, if I should intrude on such an intimate event with the group. I wasn't entirely who they'd believed me to be, after all. I turned away from him, glancing back up at the stars.
"I don't have an appetite right now. But please, enjoy your meal with the others. I'll stay out here a little longer."
Yugi's grasp on the bowl tightened for a moment before he lowered his gaze. I thought he would head back inside, finally irritated with my unwillingness to fully lower the barriers I'd built around myself.
"No one blames you or feels upset. We understand why you kept the truth to yourself. It must have been a heavy burden to carry on your own. But if too many people knew, it could have put you in great danger. You're so brave to tell us the truth, and it's clear how deeply you trust us."
I immediately turned back to him, disbelief ruling my expression at his words and gentle tone. They weren't angry over the fact that I'd hidden my true age and heritage from them? These young mortals were stubborn if nothing else. It went beyond foolishness at this point, and I no longer knew what to call it.
"We're not afraid, Dria. Don't shut us out again. We trust you just as deeply."
I didn't know how to respond for a few moments, until I started laughing and tears flowed freely down my face. Panic quickly took over Yugi's features at the sight of my tears, but when I gave him a truly joyous smile as I wiped them away, he relaxed and smiled widely in return. The Pharaoh soon traded places with him and walked towards me, the bowl of stew still in one hand. He placed his forehead against mine, his free hand drifting to my hip as he closed his eyes. I closed mine as well, feeling my anxiety fade as the scent of cinnamon filled my senses.
"I love you, Dria. I told you, I'm desperate to know more about you. I want to love all parts of you, even the sides you believe are necessary to hide."
My throat felt tight with emotion, so I could barely give him an audible response, "I love you, Pharaoh. Even if you never recover your memories, I'll always love you."
He pulled back to smile gently at me, his eyes narrowing slightly as happiness filled his gaze. He leaned back in and brushed his lips against mine. I threaded my fingers through his tri-colored hair as his free hand shifted to my lower back and pressed me closer to him. After several moments, I pulled away to breathe, resting my forehead against his chest as he pressed another kiss to the side of my head. Before we could start again, a quiet cough separated us.
"Yugi? Can I talk to you, in private?"
Rebecca had exited the trailer, looking down at the ground and twisting her fingers together. She was nervous in my presence, ever since the day we'd met. I'd terrified the poor girl when she'd been a nuisance to Yugi and Grandpa after Duelist Kingdom, even though it hadn't been my intention. She glanced back up for a moment, enough time for me to send her a gentle smile and nod in response to her request. Yugi and the Pharaoh again switched places.
Taking the bowl from Yugi's hands, I excused myself and sat on the ground near the back tire of the truck. The two of them wandered towards the ruins of Rebecca's home for privacy. I still didn't have much of an appetite, but I ate as much of the stew as I could to appease Yugi. It was well made and flavorful, just like the soup Joey had made during my tournament. Perhaps he should consider a career in the food industry. I set the bowl aside and rested my head against the cool metal of the vehicle.
Yugi and Rebecca returned after a short time, and after a brief kiss goodnight from the Pharaoh, they went inside to rest with the others. He tried to persuade me to join them, but I was concerned about Dartz's mercenaries returning for Rebecca and wanted to stay on guard outside. I had no doubts that he was aware of where we were, and that it'd only be a matter of time before he sent for us in some way. Pharaoh then offered to stay, but I gently pushed him towards the door. He needed rest; several difficult trials were coming, and he, more than anyone, needed to have a clear head. Reluctantly, he agreed and followed Rebecca inside.
Using the blanket that Aristokles had given me earlier, I made myself comfortable in the truck bed. Kuriboh and several smaller monsters like Marshmellon and Baby Red Eyes joined me, snuggling into my arms or against my sides and legs, while Hinotama Soul provided a soothing warmth to the otherwise cold night. Behind me appeared Winged Guardian of the Fortress, who immediately began shifting his eyes across the landscape around us, looking for anything unusual; Silver Fang and Celtic Guardian stood at the ready should anyone come near. With so many companions around me keeping guard, my body relaxed as I fell asleep.
The wine precariously circled the rim as I swirled the glass in boredom. Weddings were lovely, but not when the upper nobility made continuous slights against me for my common-born status. Eventually, it became too irritating to withstand any longer, and I drifted to the edge of the venue for peace and quiet. It didn't matter that my father and I had long since been given a noble title by the king for services rendered to the crown, nor that the position of High Priestess had been mine for several years now. In their eyes, I was still a child of the streets, dirty and untouchable.
I had only attended this wedding because Timaeus needed a partner to ward off any unwanted attention from other eligible women. Not that my presence had helped in any regard. The moment the reception began, several of those ladies swept him away from me and had kept us separated since. I sighed; at least he'd arranged a lovely outfit for me to wear.
A light blue and white strapless dress with a neckline that dipped gracefully in the center, forming a gentle curve that flattered my figure. Made of shimmering silk, the fabric caught the light with every movement. A jeweled golden band traced the edge of the neckline, adding a touch of elegance, while a golden belt rested low on my hips, accentuating the curve of my waist. Removable silk sleeves, flowing and loose with golden clasps to hold them in place, rested on my biceps. It was certainly the most beautiful dress I'd ever worn, and probably the most expensive, despite the risque elements.
Strapless dresses were just coming into fashion, so there was still some grumbling about whether or not it was appropriate for unmarried maidens to wear them in respectable circles. With its thigh-high slits on either side of the legs and the sides of the waist cut away to reveal the bare skin beneath, not to mention the overall attention it drew to my matured figure, it was the most daring outfit at the wedding.
I'd had no intention of upstaging the bride, so I made every effort to cover what I could, however I could manage, and I stayed in the back throughout the ceremony. Timaeus refused to explain why he'd chosen this dress, insisting he was simply doing the designer a favor by finally getting someone to wear it in public. It certainly attracted attention, though most of it seemed to come as envy from the women and reluctant admiration from the men. Despite their stubborn insistence on acknowledging my status, it was hard to overlook how captivated they were by the striking beauty my body now radiated.
The newlyweds began their first dance together before various other couples joined them. Sitting on the stone wall behind me, I watched with quiet jealousy as the party continued. Though I'd participated in partner dances before, it had only been with one of the three Dragon Knights. I loved them dearly as if they were my own brothers, but I often found myself wishing that I had someone special in my life to call my own. I shook my head and took a long drink of the wine; between my father, the knights, Slifer, and even Dartz, no man would ever be bold enough to court me, let alone ask for my hand. I'd just have to accept the loveless lifetime stretching out before me. I was in the midst of another drink when an arm slung around my shoulder, causing me to choke slightly in surprise.
"Now why are you hiding back here, Tyche? Too good for the rest of us mere mortals?"
I rolled my eyes; Timaeus had been enjoying the wine too much. Hermos and Critias were nowhere to be found, so it was likely that all three of them would be useless in the morning.
"Don't call me that. No, I'm back here because of this ridiculous dress you made me wear. It's not appropriate for this gathering, Timaeus."
"It's perfect for you, which makes it appropriate for any occasion where you wish to wear it, Tyche."
I shoved his arm off my shoulder and sent him a weak glare. "Call me by my true name if you want me to stay around you. Otherwise, you'll fend off all future betrothal requests on your own."
"Alright, alright, Dria. You know I'm just teasing you." He smiled genially and laughed. He had definitely enjoyed his drink; it was usually difficult to get this man to smile and relax this much on a normal occasion.
Tyche was the name I was given upon receiving the post of High Priestess for my prophetic abilities. It was a special name, more honorable a title than that of noble, and it was only used when someone was seeking the advice of the gods. Not even the nobles who still despised me would use the name in a mocking tone; it would imply they were mocking the gods themselves. Since the red dragon god had chosen me as his host, not even they would dare risk his wrath for a few moments of entertainment. Only Timaeus would use it as a joke because I knew it wasn't mean spirited. If anything, it was a mark of respect from him. Still, I preferred the name my father had given me; I didn't belong on a pedestal of any height.
"As you've said before. Why are you here in the corner with me, Timaeus? Surely your future wife is here somewhere. Staying with me will only drive her away."
"Ah, there's no woman other than Atlantis for me. The oath Hermos, Critias, and I intend to take next season will force us to live in both this world and the Spirit Realm. I can't ask any woman to live by that oath too."
I smiled, nodding in understanding. Timaeus was always a sensitive one, and he tried his best to balance his compassionate nature with his martial ferocity in every action. There was no one I knew with a more dutiful and loyal heart. Any woman would be lucky to have such a man.
"What about you? Anyone here caught your eye yet? We're not getting any younger."
I lightly punched him in the shoulder. I was only seventeen summers, so even if I was among the older eligible bachelorettes, I still had time before it became an issue. The problem was that I had no romantic interest in any of the young men around me. They were amiable enough now that they had matured, for the most part, but I didn't feel any excitement or chemistry with them. It was as if I already had a clear idea of what I wanted, and none of them measured up to that. Maybe I was being too picky, but I was searching for genuine happiness, not simply contentment. Plus, it was hard to forget the treatment I'd received from many of them as a child. My teasing quickly faded, and I felt a weight press upon my chest as I took a small sip from my cup. Timaeus' expression changed as his smile fell and he raised an eyebrow; he must have been expecting some flippant response.
"There's no one here for me, Timaeus. I can't explain how or why I feel this way, but I feel it in my soul. Maybe it's the same for me as it is for you. Atlantis is probably the only one I'll ever have."
We stood together in silence for a few moments before he took my hand and dragged me out to dance. Twisting through a series of movements, we laughed through the rest of the party. No women attempted to approach Timaeus through the remainder of the night, and there was hardly a moment where his hand wasn't protectively placed around my shoulder or waist to keep those who, despite their harsh words against me, might act on the intentions in their eyes when their gaze lingered across my body. No one would be foolish enough to take on the city's finest guard.
Later that night, like a gentleman, Timaeus walked me home from the venue after the festivities ended. I was surprised that he'd insisted because he had training at first light in preparation for his upcoming oath, but it was nice to have company.
The only sounds to be heard as we walked were the gentle 'clink' his armor made and the soft 'jingle' of my jewelry. The rest of the city was silent and peaceful; if I listened carefully enough, I could hear the sound of the waves around the city. As we reached the edge of my neighborhood, a hooded figure stepped out from the shadow of the nearest building. Timaeus immediately took his stance in front of me, his right hand hovering over the sword at his left side, his opposite hand extended as a barrier between me and the stranger.
Though generally Atlantis was a very safe city, even after dark, there were times when trouble arose unexpectedly. Only when she threw back the hood did I recognize the figure. She was a fellow priestess at the High Temple. I touched Timaeus' elbow, signaling that there was no danger. He eventually acquiesced, but he kept himself close and his body tense, ready to fight if necessary. Before I could greet my fellow priestess, she pointed a finger towards me, her glowing eyes unfocused, and began to speak:
"Across the boundless sea, he waits, the king whose bride you are destined to be.
By envy you were torn apart, for the gods yearned for the love destined for your heart.
His name is the sun, his eyes and his mane bear its light.
When this life's journey you have spun, seek the deepest sands, once here it is done.
There, in eternity's embrace, true bliss will greet you, fate's own Grace."
She vanished as quickly as she had appeared. Timaeus and I stood silently for a few moments before turning towards one another.
"Who was that, Dria? What was she talking about?"
"Her name is Dari, and she's an oracle at the High Temple. I think she just gave me a prophecy."
"Are her words like yours?"
I smiled slightly, "My prophecies contain information, often irritatingly vague, regarding the fate of kingdoms, the world even, according to His Majesty. Her oracles are intensely focused upon the fate of one individual at a time. I've never heard of a person having a mane before. I hope she doesn't mean he's half lion."
"Perhaps she meant that his hair is longer than yours. He might even be prettier than you."
Playfully, Timaeus tugged on the loose tendrils of hair that had fallen from the intricate braids in my hairstyle. I smiled in response, but Dari's words echoed in my mind. I had so many questions about what she'd seen and whether she could give me more information. I couldn't deny that my heartrate had increased at the mention of this mystery man, like my heart already longed to meet him.
"Well, whoever he is, I hope to meet him someday. I'd like to know what kind of man sweeps you off your feet. You're incredibly difficult to please. Not even I'm good enough for you."
Rolling my eyes at his teasing, I waved at Timaeus as I headed towards my father's house. I could hear his chuckle as he turned around so he could return to his own home nearby. As I reached home, rather than heading inside, I drifted towards the balcony. I sat on the wall above the sea and watched the waves lazily wash against the rocks below, thinking about Dari's oracle. I would marry a king across the sea? What was across the sea? The sun would be his name? Maybe his hair set him apart? As I closed my eyes, I tried to imagine what he might look like. A voice suddenly interrupted my musings.
"Come home to me, Tyche. It's where you belong. Meet my loyal servant in the center of Death Valley, and he'll escort you."
I opened my eyes in fright as the dream ended. Dartz had improved his skills, being able to infiltrate my dreams and memories with false words. Or was it the Oricalchos' doing? I didn't have time to consider a defense, however, because the door of the trailer opened. Quietly sitting up, I watched as someone stepped out into the early sunrise. It wasn't long before I recognized the figure.
"And where exactly are you headed this early in the morning?"
Yugi jumped slightly at the sound of my voice before he turned towards me.
"I was, uh…you know…going for a quick jog?"
I raised my eyebrow at Yugi's blatant lie, to which he immediately blushed and dropped his gaze to the ground. Yugi was many things: a loyal friend, a fierce competitor, an outstanding duelist. A dedicated runner didn't make the list, at least not as a beloved hobby. Perhaps when he was forced during gym class at school. With my monster friends gone, I jumped out of the truck with the blanket over my shoulders and approached him, willing to play his game a little longer.
"Won't your Duel Disk be heavy? Unless you plan on wearing one on each arm, it'll throw off your balance and result in injuries of some kind to your back or knees. I'm sure Grandpa has warned you about taking care of those while you're young."
He glanced at the Duel Disk already on his arm before looking back at me. Holding the blanket at my neck and a lazy smile across my face, I sauntered towards him. His eyes widened with each step I took, and he began to take small steps backwards as I neared him. My smile widened at his reaction, my gaze narrowing slightly as I employed various seductive techniques I'd learned over the years.
"Yugi Mutou, you wouldn't be lying to me right now, would you?"
Lowering my voice to a more sultry tone, I slowly shifted the blanket away from one shoulder, moving the neckline of my shirt along with it. Yugi's blush deepened as his eyes traced the newly revealed skin, and he desperately tried to keep his gaze averted. At last, my steps caught up with his, and there was barely an inch of space between us. I pressed my nose against his cheek, tracing a slow, tantalizing path across his face. Releasing one side of the blanket, I placed my fingertips on his body.
"Dria, please, the Pharaoh is right here. I'd really like to live a while longer."
"Then tell me the truth, and I'll make sure you at least graduate high school."
He shivered as I lightly blew on his ear and trailed my fingers across his chest. A new necklace had been placed around his neck in addition to the Puzzle, and my fingers tensed for a moment as they lingered on the stone. I resisted the overwhelming urge to tear it off him and throw it into a fiery pit of burning sulfur. With my own piece of the Oricalchos binding me, there was nothing I could do against it with my own power. I quickly moved my hand off the new chain and traced down his arm instead.
I felt the Pharaoh's slightly irritated, mostly amused eyes on me as I did so, but I was confident that he knew I was only teasing. Yugi's mind was probably racing with explanations of innocence and pleas for mercy; if he was brave enough, he might even mention how his 'wiser' comrade would also struggle to win this game. When I pulled back, Yugi exhaled like he'd been holding his breath for several minutes. He took several smaller breaths to relax before revealing to me what his conversation with Rebecca had been about. I crossed my arms in frustration as I realized what his plan had been.
"So, you planned on sneaking away before anyone could stop you?"
"I can't let them hurt Professor Hawkins."
"They've destroyed his research, so he's of no further value. They've probably already let him go because they believe that you'll respond to their challenge."
"I can't take that chance. I have to go."
"Then I'll come with you."
"They said I have to come alone."
"Dartz and his little minions are expecting me anyway, so technically you will be going alone because I'm also going alone to answer their separate challenge to me."
It was Yugi's turn to raise an eyebrow. I hesitated for a moment, concerned I had given my connection to Dartz away. Both Yugi and the Pharaoh's eyes then narrowed as they gazed upon me.
Why would they be expecting you, Dria?
Now I was the one stuttering for an explanation. I took a deep breath and opted for telling him the truth instead.
"Someone's already come after me twice. You said you saw the first time in a vision, when he placed this diadem on my forehead, remember? The second…" I paused. It would make the Pharaoh furious to hear that I'd been attacked in the Industrial Illusions building.
The second?
"When I left during Joey's duel against Mai. He pushed me against the wall in the stairwell and started to…"
I stopped, letting them fill in the blanks for themselves. Both sets of eyes widened as different emotions filled them. Yugi's softer gaze filled with concern, whereas the Pharaoh's hardened with rage as his fists clenched. It had been tortuous for him to watch Marik physically assault me during their duel in Battle City. Now to hear that another had attempted something similar, and he hadn't even known?
Why didn't you tell me?
"Other than angering you, what does it accomplish? I've dealt with men like that before, and I'll do it again if necessary. I refuse to let whoever it is frighten me."
So, you want to handle everything on your own again?
The Pharaoh's frown grew even more pronounced as he crossed his arms over his chest and turned his head away from me. I lowered my eyes to the ground, understanding his real question. He wanted to know why I didn't trust him with the information immediately. I'd meant what I said though: it would only serve to anger him, and he was dealing with enough trouble at the moment. I, perhaps naively, believed Dartz wouldn't actually hurt me or attempt anything near what Marik had done. But I couldn't say that without revealing that I knew Dartz personally.
"Dria, if that's the case, then it's safer for you to stay here."
"Yugi, I'm going with you and that's the end of it."
No, you're staying, Dria. You're not going near these dangerous men. Besides, Rebecca's horse can't take us both.
I sighed in irritation at the triumphant smirk on Pharaoh's face; he thought he'd won this round. He was right about Copernicus. The saddle was too small for us both to fit, and sitting outside of it wouldn't be safe for me or the horse. However, there was another option. If they were truly going to be this stubborn about it, I'd have to call on an old friend for some assistance. Dropping the blanket and placing two fingers in my mouth, I let loose a quiet whistle into the darkness. It wasn't loud enough to wake those inside the trailer, but he would hear my call. I felt his breath on my neck before I saw him, and judging by Yugi's wide eyes, he was as fearsome to behold as ever.
"Yugi, Pharaoh, allow me to introduce Pyrrhus, currently the horse of Swift Gaia, formerly my personal mount. Pyrrhus, say hello."
Standing at 17 hands, unusually large for his breed in ancient times, his skin was taut across his muscles, and he was as fast as he was strong. His eyes burned with intensity, like they had from the moment he was born. The rest of his physical appearance had changed since becoming part of the Realm of Monsters. Rather than the burning red coat I had loved so much, he was now a Tyrian purple, like the expensive dye produced by the murex snails of the Mediterranean. His mane and tail had also changed into bright gold, not unlike Yugi and the Pharaoh's blonde bangs.
His spirit, though, was still indomitable, and it was only because I asked him that he now served alongside the knight. When his time in the mortal realm was near its end, I couldn't bear losing him after having lost the Pharaoh. So, with Pharaoh Seto's help, I had begged Gaia to take Pyrrhus as his partner. The knight was happy to grant this favor, though it took quite some time for my loyal friend to accept his new role and master. While I didn't get to see him every day from then on, I knew that he was out there, and he'd come to my aid if I asked.
Pyrrhus stepped around me to approach Yugi and the Pharaoh. He towered over the young man, who gazed at the fierce creature with amazement and a little fear. They both were silent for a few moments as Pyrrhus examined Yugi, who eventually smiled at the beast. Then, to even my surprise, the horse gently exhaled in Yugi's face and nibbled at Yugi's blonde bangs. He didn't flinch when Yugi placed a hand on top of his nose in response and rubbed cautiously. I smiled; Yugi was more frightening than he knew, being able to tame a creature like this one with only a smile.
Returning to my side, Pyrrhus bent down slightly to help me settle into the saddle across his back. The Pharaoh did the same on Copernicus. I considered teasing him about whether he remembered how to ride a horse since it had been so long. But, one glance at his posture, and I knew it was a muscle memory, not a conscious effort. He narrowed his eyes at me once more when I pulled Pyrrhus up beside him, and I glared back. Yugi sighed.
You two have to be the most stubborn people I've ever known.
I wouldn't have to be if she'd just listen and trust me.
And I wouldn't have to be if he'd just listen and trust me.
Now you're just trying to out-stubborn one another. You're both thousands of years old; why am I the adult here?
I huffed, turning my gaze away from the uncompromising young men. It was a childish tantrum, perhaps, but I'd rather have them irritated and safe than in great danger alone. I quickly snapped the reins, giving Pyrrhus the signal, and my horse took off into the darkness. The Pharaoh rode close beside me, Copernicus keeping up with the impressive pace, as we headed for Death Valley.