Chapter 9: Unexpected friendship and Seto's plan
The days passed sejak slowly for the kingdom.The citizens lived their normal lives doing what they had to do to live in their small one story homes, built from stones as old as Egypt.However, deep within the palace walls Atem, his priests, and Shimon were hard at work discussing over what they should do if Bakura and Marik were to strike again.The council room was small; there was only a single balcony that faced the gardens and a bit of the courtyard.Inside, the Pharaoh and his priests all sat down on chairs that surrounded a round wooden table.Sweat had poured down their brows from the intense heat, some were anxious, others were frustrated, but the one thing their minds had focused on was,
"How are we going to protect our city from another attack?" Karim asked.
"We have been coming here for days," Mahaado began wiping the sweat off of his forehead."Is there nothing we can do?"
"With stupid soalan like that, our city will be destroyed before we find an answer, Mahaado," berkata Seto.
Mahaado rose glaring at his fellow priest, "Well I certainly don't hear any good ideas coming from anda Seto!" Mahaado spat.
"Hold your tongue magician!" Seto spat back, getting up and glaring at Mahaado.
"Mahaado!" Isis exclaimed grabbing onto his arm."Please let's not start another fight, not within the walls," she explained in a calming voice."We are here to find out a solution about how we are going to stop Bakura and Marik and protect our citizens," she reminded.
"Well Isis," Seto began."If anda have any suggestions we are dying to hear them," he berkata sarcastically.
Mahaado snapped releasing himself from Isis' grip."Don't anda dare speak to Isis that way Seto!"
"Why so concerned Mahaado?" Seto rudely asked.
"Seto! Mahaado!" Atem exclaimed rising from his kerusi, tempat duduk crossing his arms across his chest."That's enough.Save your energy for a real fight," he berkata sitting back down.
Mahaado and Seto sat back down not looking at each other from the corners of their eyes.
"Isis has your kalung shown any vision of hope?" Atem asked.
Isis shook her head, followed sejak a disappointed sigh."My kalung has shown me nothing, but darkness and cloudiness.I can't specify whether atau not the kingdom may have another attack.All I know is that we may be in a dark hour, Pharaoh."
The sound of murmur passed sejak after Isis' possible prophecy.They were all worried, but they to be Brave for the priests and Pharaoh took sacred oaths to protect this land no matter what, even if they had to pay with their very lives.
The council ended the same, with silence and no answers.Everyone departed to do his atau her separate duties.
"Everyone," Atem stated.
The priests and Shimon turned facing their Pharaoh.
"If any of anda have a solution that might help. lapor to me immediately and we shall all meet in the takhta room."They nodded simultaneously responding with single "yes," and then left.
In the gardens, Yugi lied upon one of the small, grassy hills staring at the forever blue sky.Yugi was able to finish his work faster so he decided to wait in the gardens for Malik and Ryou, since that would be their usual rendezvous after work.
"I wish Malik and Ryou could be here," he berkata as he patiently waited, still staring at the sky.
His eyelids came down as a gentle breeze kissed his cheeks and played with his blond locks.He sighed with pleasure as the breeze touched him.
"Feels nice," he whispered.
A few moments passed and all was quiet, nothing but sound of wind whistling, the stream's quiet song, and the birds chirping.Suddenly Yugi felt something upon chest.He opened his eyes to see a black rama-rama, taman rama-rama resting upon his left breast.
"Hey little guy," berkata Yugi with a smile."Are anda alone too?" he asked.
"I know I am," answered a voice.
Yugi turned his head to see Atem with a concerned look.Yugi quickly got up and greeted him with a loyal bow.
"My Pharaoh, are anda in need of me?" Yugi asked.
Atem shook his head and sat down upon the hill.Yugi looked Atem, and then sat down seterusnya to him.Silent minit passed and Atem's expression never changed.Yugi took some notice to that, but he didn't want the Pharaoh to see.Despite the talk they had the other night, Yugi still felt a little nervous around Atem.
"Um…" Yugi began.
Atem looked at Yugi.Yugi recoiled back slightly, trying to think of something else to say.
"How… How are you… doing, Pharaoh Atem-sama?" Yugi asked nervously.
Atem didn't answer; instead he stared at Yugi, slightly bewildered.Yugi looked back at the rama-rama, taman rama-rama that still rested upon his left breast.
Atem smiled finally answering, "I'm fine Yugi, and I apologize for not answering your question."
Yugi looked back up at the Pharaoh and shook his head."No it's alright, anda just have a lot on your mind right?" Yugi asked.
Atem nodded.
"Pharaoh, have anda had any ideas to protect your people?"
"No, the council and I have been trying to think of how we can protect our people, but it seems all we have been doing is bicker.I feel we may never find our solution," Atem explained, his eyes facing the ground.
"No! Don't say that!" Yugi exclaimed, getting to his feet.
Atem looked up to Yugi, his eyes becoming serious.
"I mean… sure anda can't find the solution now, but in time anda might.In this world, there are many problems and it doesn't matter if they are big atau small.What matters is that every problem has a solution," Yugi spouted, his voice filling with courage."I know anda may not find the solution now, but anda will Pharaoh.And when anda do, your kingdom will be at peace again."
Atem's eyes widen.Never had he seen a slave filled with this much hope and bravery, and yet despite everything, Yugi seemed optimistic.Yugi came out of his world of hope and sighed.
"I'm sorry, I must have sounded so stupid to you," Yugi sulked.
Atem got to his feet, smiling."No Yugi," he began, placing his hands on Yugi's small shoulders."And you're right, we shall figure out a way out of this mess."
"Yes, but…"
"But what?" Atem asked.
"What can I do? Nothing it seems," Yugi answered his purple eyes going down.
Atem shook his head."That's not true."
"How would anda know? I haven't done anything good for you," Yugi stated.
"You've done something at this moment," berkata Atem.
Yugi looked up at Atem, curious.
"You've made me smile again.You know anda remind me of me when I was a child."
"I do?" Yugi asked.
Atem nodded."Yes and when I was a child I… no," Atem turned to leave
"What?" Yugi asked again, stopping Atem.
Atem turned around."When I was very young, I made a promise to a friend that one day, when I would rule as Pharaoh I would someday create a world where everyone would live freely, without having to worry about war, crimes, and your rank would mean nothing."
Yugi's eyes widen.He was surprised, that even the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, wanted to live in a world such as that."Who was that promise for?" Yugi asked.
"Mahaado," Atem answered.
"The priest with the weird ring?"
Atem nodded.
"Pharaoh," Yugi began staring at the upside down pyramid pendant."What is that… thing?"
Atem noticed Yugi's stare, holding the pendant to let Yugi get a better look."It's called the Sennen puzzle."
"Sennen puzzle?" Yugi repeated.
"Yes it's one of the seven Sennen items that were created to bring peace into the land of Egypt," Atem explained.
"Who made them?" Yugi asked, still staring at the puzzle's eye.
"Priest Akunadin.I don't know much about the items, except that they were made to protect Egypt and the priests and myself were each telah diberi one.Nobody really knows how the items were made, except Akunadin.I've tried asking him, but according to what my father told me, like his age, Akunadin's memories are fading away.Neither my father atau I believed it, but somehow my father thought it was best not to ask.Yet…" he paused, bringing the puzzle in closer."I wish I knew how they were made."He sighed looking at the puzzle's golden eye, with remorse.
"Pharaoh?" Yugi wondered.
Atem came out of his trance like state and looked at Yugi."Well I must go.It was nice to speak with anda again."
Yugi smiled.
"Oh, one lebih thing," Atem berkata facing Yugi."I want anda to call me Atem, but only when we are alone."
"Why?" Yugi asked.
"Yugi, would you…" Atem sighed, then looked at Yugi again."Would anda become my friend?"
"What?" Yugi asked very confused.
"It's just that as Pharaoh I don't have very many friends.And Mahaado is always busy with his magic and Mana still needs practice.I'm very lonely and…" he swallowed and sighed.
"Of course!" Yugi exclaimed, happily smiling."If anda ever feel down, I promise to make anda smile Pha-… I mean Atem," Yugi corrected.
"Thank you," Atem responded and finally leaving.
Yugi watched as Atem's figure disappeared into the shadows of the palace.He looked donw at his chest and surprisingly the little rama-rama, taman rama-rama was still there.Yugi smiled, placing his finger near the creature.The rama-rama, taman rama-rama crawled on to Yugi's finger, delicately fluttering its wings.
"Go on.Nobody wants to stay cooped in here forever," berkata Yugi, lifting his finger up.The insect fluttered its black wings faster and faster, finally leaving Yugi's warm finger.Flying through the garden and over the palace walls.
Shada walked the torched lit hallways, his mind, like the others, wondering about how to stop Bakura and Marik.His steps echoed the dark halls as he focused.Suddenly another figure stood sejak the drapes.
"Who's there?" Shada exclaimed, readying his ankh.
"Shada it's only me," Seto answered walking out from the darkness.
Shada sighed with relief."Seto don't frighten me like that.I though anda were-"
"Bakura?" Seto interrupted."Come with me."
The two priests walked through the ghostly quiet palace, to the council room.Seto looked around, slowly opening the door.They stepped inside, the moonlit room and sat upon the chairs.
"Why are we here?" Shada asked.
"Shada I may have an idea that may help," Seto answered.
"What? What is it?!" Shada asked hastily.
Seto shushed him and looked back at the door.It was still closed."First off I'll deploy the soldiers into the city to reinforce our defense.When that is finished anda and I shall go through the city to see if we are able to find a powerful Kaa."
"Seto."
"Shada your ankh allows anda to see into the hati, tengah-tengah of a person.To see if that person carries a powerful Kaa," Seto explained.
"No, anda can't be serious! It is forbidden to look into another's heart, without a legitimate reason.It's a crime even for a priest!" Shada exclaimed."I will not be a part of this," he berkata getting up and heading to the door.
"Did anda not see it too?" Seto asked.
Shada's hand stopped at the knob.
"The powerful blast that nearly destroyed Obelisk," Seto added.
Shada's mind flashed back to the blue and white energy beam.He felt his hati, tengah-tengah beat rapidly as his mind replayed that frightening memory.
Seto walked up to Shada, placing his hand upon Shada's shoulder."We have to reinforce our Kaas atau we will soon be at Bakura's mercy."
Shada turned, "And how will anda tell this to the Pharaoh?"
Seto chuckled."I have my ways.Now get some rest, we're going to have a long hari tomorrow."
Shada gulped as he watched Seto leave the council room.
The very seterusnya morning started in the takhta room, the others had heard about Seto having a plan and were anxious to hear.
"Malik why are we here?" Yugi whispered."You know we have chores in the morning," Yugi reminded crouching behind the pots
"Is it a crime to listen about how the city is going to be saved?" Malik asked.
Yugi opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Ryou leaned in closer, placing a hand to his ear.
"Pharaoh we must be lebih on guard.With your permission, I wish to deploy the soldiers in the city to help with our defenses," berkata Seto bowing respectfully.
Akunadin quietly gasped.
"We must protect our people from Bakura and Marik, and we must do whatever it takes to do so!" Seto strongly exclaimed.
Shimon rubbed his chin, and then looked at Atem."Pharaoh, it's best any of us can do for now.With those two thieves still about, lebih defenses will be needed."
"I know."Atem looked directly at Seto."You may do this, but do not worry the citizens.They have been frightened enough," Atem informed.
Seto bowed again and tugged at Shada's arm.With that everyone left, leaving Atem to sit on his throne.
"There's no point in hiding anda three."
Malik, Yugi, and Ryou came out from behind the pots; surprised that even Atem knew where they were.
"How did anda know?" Ryou asked.
"Mana and I always hid behind those pots to listen to my father," Atem answered.
"Pharaoh," Malik began."Can anda really be sure that Seto's plan may work?"
Atem sighed heavily.
"Malik I doubt even he will answer," Ryou stated.
"Pharaoh…" berkata Yugi
"I can't be sure, but it's like what Shimon said, 'It's the best any of us can do for now.'And yet I wonder…"
The three boys looked at Atem bewildered.
Atem continued, "I wonder if the future shows light in this dark hour."
Will Seto's plan really work? What can the kingdom expect? When will Bakura and Marik strike again?Find out in the seterusnya chapter. Like I berkata sorry for the long, long delay.
The days passed sejak slowly for the kingdom.The citizens lived their normal lives doing what they had to do to live in their small one story homes, built from stones as old as Egypt.However, deep within the palace walls Atem, his priests, and Shimon were hard at work discussing over what they should do if Bakura and Marik were to strike again.The council room was small; there was only a single balcony that faced the gardens and a bit of the courtyard.Inside, the Pharaoh and his priests all sat down on chairs that surrounded a round wooden table.Sweat had poured down their brows from the intense heat, some were anxious, others were frustrated, but the one thing their minds had focused on was,
"How are we going to protect our city from another attack?" Karim asked.
"We have been coming here for days," Mahaado began wiping the sweat off of his forehead."Is there nothing we can do?"
"With stupid soalan like that, our city will be destroyed before we find an answer, Mahaado," berkata Seto.
Mahaado rose glaring at his fellow priest, "Well I certainly don't hear any good ideas coming from anda Seto!" Mahaado spat.
"Hold your tongue magician!" Seto spat back, getting up and glaring at Mahaado.
"Mahaado!" Isis exclaimed grabbing onto his arm."Please let's not start another fight, not within the walls," she explained in a calming voice."We are here to find out a solution about how we are going to stop Bakura and Marik and protect our citizens," she reminded.
"Well Isis," Seto began."If anda have any suggestions we are dying to hear them," he berkata sarcastically.
Mahaado snapped releasing himself from Isis' grip."Don't anda dare speak to Isis that way Seto!"
"Why so concerned Mahaado?" Seto rudely asked.
"Seto! Mahaado!" Atem exclaimed rising from his kerusi, tempat duduk crossing his arms across his chest."That's enough.Save your energy for a real fight," he berkata sitting back down.
Mahaado and Seto sat back down not looking at each other from the corners of their eyes.
"Isis has your kalung shown any vision of hope?" Atem asked.
Isis shook her head, followed sejak a disappointed sigh."My kalung has shown me nothing, but darkness and cloudiness.I can't specify whether atau not the kingdom may have another attack.All I know is that we may be in a dark hour, Pharaoh."
The sound of murmur passed sejak after Isis' possible prophecy.They were all worried, but they to be Brave for the priests and Pharaoh took sacred oaths to protect this land no matter what, even if they had to pay with their very lives.
The council ended the same, with silence and no answers.Everyone departed to do his atau her separate duties.
"Everyone," Atem stated.
The priests and Shimon turned facing their Pharaoh.
"If any of anda have a solution that might help. lapor to me immediately and we shall all meet in the takhta room."They nodded simultaneously responding with single "yes," and then left.
In the gardens, Yugi lied upon one of the small, grassy hills staring at the forever blue sky.Yugi was able to finish his work faster so he decided to wait in the gardens for Malik and Ryou, since that would be their usual rendezvous after work.
"I wish Malik and Ryou could be here," he berkata as he patiently waited, still staring at the sky.
His eyelids came down as a gentle breeze kissed his cheeks and played with his blond locks.He sighed with pleasure as the breeze touched him.
"Feels nice," he whispered.
A few moments passed and all was quiet, nothing but sound of wind whistling, the stream's quiet song, and the birds chirping.Suddenly Yugi felt something upon chest.He opened his eyes to see a black rama-rama, taman rama-rama resting upon his left breast.
"Hey little guy," berkata Yugi with a smile."Are anda alone too?" he asked.
"I know I am," answered a voice.
Yugi turned his head to see Atem with a concerned look.Yugi quickly got up and greeted him with a loyal bow.
"My Pharaoh, are anda in need of me?" Yugi asked.
Atem shook his head and sat down upon the hill.Yugi looked Atem, and then sat down seterusnya to him.Silent minit passed and Atem's expression never changed.Yugi took some notice to that, but he didn't want the Pharaoh to see.Despite the talk they had the other night, Yugi still felt a little nervous around Atem.
"Um…" Yugi began.
Atem looked at Yugi.Yugi recoiled back slightly, trying to think of something else to say.
"How… How are you… doing, Pharaoh Atem-sama?" Yugi asked nervously.
Atem didn't answer; instead he stared at Yugi, slightly bewildered.Yugi looked back at the rama-rama, taman rama-rama that still rested upon his left breast.
Atem smiled finally answering, "I'm fine Yugi, and I apologize for not answering your question."
Yugi looked back up at the Pharaoh and shook his head."No it's alright, anda just have a lot on your mind right?" Yugi asked.
Atem nodded.
"Pharaoh, have anda had any ideas to protect your people?"
"No, the council and I have been trying to think of how we can protect our people, but it seems all we have been doing is bicker.I feel we may never find our solution," Atem explained, his eyes facing the ground.
"No! Don't say that!" Yugi exclaimed, getting to his feet.
Atem looked up to Yugi, his eyes becoming serious.
"I mean… sure anda can't find the solution now, but in time anda might.In this world, there are many problems and it doesn't matter if they are big atau small.What matters is that every problem has a solution," Yugi spouted, his voice filling with courage."I know anda may not find the solution now, but anda will Pharaoh.And when anda do, your kingdom will be at peace again."
Atem's eyes widen.Never had he seen a slave filled with this much hope and bravery, and yet despite everything, Yugi seemed optimistic.Yugi came out of his world of hope and sighed.
"I'm sorry, I must have sounded so stupid to you," Yugi sulked.
Atem got to his feet, smiling."No Yugi," he began, placing his hands on Yugi's small shoulders."And you're right, we shall figure out a way out of this mess."
"Yes, but…"
"But what?" Atem asked.
"What can I do? Nothing it seems," Yugi answered his purple eyes going down.
Atem shook his head."That's not true."
"How would anda know? I haven't done anything good for you," Yugi stated.
"You've done something at this moment," berkata Atem.
Yugi looked up at Atem, curious.
"You've made me smile again.You know anda remind me of me when I was a child."
"I do?" Yugi asked.
Atem nodded."Yes and when I was a child I… no," Atem turned to leave
"What?" Yugi asked again, stopping Atem.
Atem turned around."When I was very young, I made a promise to a friend that one day, when I would rule as Pharaoh I would someday create a world where everyone would live freely, without having to worry about war, crimes, and your rank would mean nothing."
Yugi's eyes widen.He was surprised, that even the Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, wanted to live in a world such as that."Who was that promise for?" Yugi asked.
"Mahaado," Atem answered.
"The priest with the weird ring?"
Atem nodded.
"Pharaoh," Yugi began staring at the upside down pyramid pendant."What is that… thing?"
Atem noticed Yugi's stare, holding the pendant to let Yugi get a better look."It's called the Sennen puzzle."
"Sennen puzzle?" Yugi repeated.
"Yes it's one of the seven Sennen items that were created to bring peace into the land of Egypt," Atem explained.
"Who made them?" Yugi asked, still staring at the puzzle's eye.
"Priest Akunadin.I don't know much about the items, except that they were made to protect Egypt and the priests and myself were each telah diberi one.Nobody really knows how the items were made, except Akunadin.I've tried asking him, but according to what my father told me, like his age, Akunadin's memories are fading away.Neither my father atau I believed it, but somehow my father thought it was best not to ask.Yet…" he paused, bringing the puzzle in closer."I wish I knew how they were made."He sighed looking at the puzzle's golden eye, with remorse.
"Pharaoh?" Yugi wondered.
Atem came out of his trance like state and looked at Yugi."Well I must go.It was nice to speak with anda again."
Yugi smiled.
"Oh, one lebih thing," Atem berkata facing Yugi."I want anda to call me Atem, but only when we are alone."
"Why?" Yugi asked.
"Yugi, would you…" Atem sighed, then looked at Yugi again."Would anda become my friend?"
"What?" Yugi asked very confused.
"It's just that as Pharaoh I don't have very many friends.And Mahaado is always busy with his magic and Mana still needs practice.I'm very lonely and…" he swallowed and sighed.
"Of course!" Yugi exclaimed, happily smiling."If anda ever feel down, I promise to make anda smile Pha-… I mean Atem," Yugi corrected.
"Thank you," Atem responded and finally leaving.
Yugi watched as Atem's figure disappeared into the shadows of the palace.He looked donw at his chest and surprisingly the little rama-rama, taman rama-rama was still there.Yugi smiled, placing his finger near the creature.The rama-rama, taman rama-rama crawled on to Yugi's finger, delicately fluttering its wings.
"Go on.Nobody wants to stay cooped in here forever," berkata Yugi, lifting his finger up.The insect fluttered its black wings faster and faster, finally leaving Yugi's warm finger.Flying through the garden and over the palace walls.
Shada walked the torched lit hallways, his mind, like the others, wondering about how to stop Bakura and Marik.His steps echoed the dark halls as he focused.Suddenly another figure stood sejak the drapes.
"Who's there?" Shada exclaimed, readying his ankh.
"Shada it's only me," Seto answered walking out from the darkness.
Shada sighed with relief."Seto don't frighten me like that.I though anda were-"
"Bakura?" Seto interrupted."Come with me."
The two priests walked through the ghostly quiet palace, to the council room.Seto looked around, slowly opening the door.They stepped inside, the moonlit room and sat upon the chairs.
"Why are we here?" Shada asked.
"Shada I may have an idea that may help," Seto answered.
"What? What is it?!" Shada asked hastily.
Seto shushed him and looked back at the door.It was still closed."First off I'll deploy the soldiers into the city to reinforce our defense.When that is finished anda and I shall go through the city to see if we are able to find a powerful Kaa."
"Seto."
"Shada your ankh allows anda to see into the hati, tengah-tengah of a person.To see if that person carries a powerful Kaa," Seto explained.
"No, anda can't be serious! It is forbidden to look into another's heart, without a legitimate reason.It's a crime even for a priest!" Shada exclaimed."I will not be a part of this," he berkata getting up and heading to the door.
"Did anda not see it too?" Seto asked.
Shada's hand stopped at the knob.
"The powerful blast that nearly destroyed Obelisk," Seto added.
Shada's mind flashed back to the blue and white energy beam.He felt his hati, tengah-tengah beat rapidly as his mind replayed that frightening memory.
Seto walked up to Shada, placing his hand upon Shada's shoulder."We have to reinforce our Kaas atau we will soon be at Bakura's mercy."
Shada turned, "And how will anda tell this to the Pharaoh?"
Seto chuckled."I have my ways.Now get some rest, we're going to have a long hari tomorrow."
Shada gulped as he watched Seto leave the council room.
The very seterusnya morning started in the takhta room, the others had heard about Seto having a plan and were anxious to hear.
"Malik why are we here?" Yugi whispered."You know we have chores in the morning," Yugi reminded crouching behind the pots
"Is it a crime to listen about how the city is going to be saved?" Malik asked.
Yugi opened his mouth, but nothing came out.
Ryou leaned in closer, placing a hand to his ear.
"Pharaoh we must be lebih on guard.With your permission, I wish to deploy the soldiers in the city to help with our defenses," berkata Seto bowing respectfully.
Akunadin quietly gasped.
"We must protect our people from Bakura and Marik, and we must do whatever it takes to do so!" Seto strongly exclaimed.
Shimon rubbed his chin, and then looked at Atem."Pharaoh, it's best any of us can do for now.With those two thieves still about, lebih defenses will be needed."
"I know."Atem looked directly at Seto."You may do this, but do not worry the citizens.They have been frightened enough," Atem informed.
Seto bowed again and tugged at Shada's arm.With that everyone left, leaving Atem to sit on his throne.
"There's no point in hiding anda three."
Malik, Yugi, and Ryou came out from behind the pots; surprised that even Atem knew where they were.
"How did anda know?" Ryou asked.
"Mana and I always hid behind those pots to listen to my father," Atem answered.
"Pharaoh," Malik began."Can anda really be sure that Seto's plan may work?"
Atem sighed heavily.
"Malik I doubt even he will answer," Ryou stated.
"Pharaoh…" berkata Yugi
"I can't be sure, but it's like what Shimon said, 'It's the best any of us can do for now.'And yet I wonder…"
The three boys looked at Atem bewildered.
Atem continued, "I wonder if the future shows light in this dark hour."
Will Seto's plan really work? What can the kingdom expect? When will Bakura and Marik strike again?Find out in the seterusnya chapter. Like I berkata sorry for the long, long delay.
