Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction / Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Perfect World ❯ Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Ascension            &nbs p;  “Long lives Horus, son of Osiris, our beloved Pharaoh…”           ;   Mahaado stood silently beside the throne. Yami’s glazed air was still in place, somewhat, and he could see the anger in Priest Seto’s jaw.             Foolish human.             His jealousy was so transparent it was almost laughable. He caught a trickle of dark humor from Aishizu, although she looked as composed and cool as ever.             It was necessary to have one’s allies around. He had Mana to help him protect the Pharaoh, and now he had Aishizu to help spin their future.             There were three more slits to be filled, three more items to be given away… no, four, and Mana was eying the Rod…           &nbs p; So perhaps that would fit her nicely.                “You know, this is a private meeting.”            ;  Mahaado eyed Seto with disdain as he steered Yami into the room. “As you say, High Priest Seto, but need I remind you that I am Pharaoh’s Consort…as well as one of the Six Elected Priests like yourself.”          &nbs p;  “Yes.” Seto sneered.             Mahaado sat Yami down and folded his arms across his chest, waiting for the High Priest to speak. He was sorely disappointed when Seto pulled the hidden dagger in the rod out and moved. However, he was certainly fast.             Yami gave a cry of surprise as the metal pierced him, it hurt, and for a second he felt as if he had blacked out…           &nbs p; He came to in Mahaado’s arms, watching as his flesh finished sealing itself closed. Seto was lying halfway across the room, pale and frozen. Dead, obviously…          &nbs p;  “What did you do?”           &nbs p; “Shifted to asp and bit him nicely.”              “Ah… well, that’s common enough.”              “Yes. Think he’s shocked. Did it hurt badly? Are you all right?”           & nbsp; Yami touched smooth flesh and smiled. “I’m fine now, Mahaado. Thank you.”           &nb sp; “My Pharaoh….”         &nbs p;   “And you’re so loyal… pity we’re named after vices and not virtues…” Yami was about to say more when he heard footsteps.           &nbs p; Mahaado shifted and Yami sat back on the chair with his glazed look.             &n bsp; Akunadin came in with an armful of scrolls. “Seto, I have your… Seto? Seto!”           &n bsp; The glassy-eyed priest was quickly taken to the healers. Akunadin glanced at the unmoving Pharaoh Yami and frowned.             He’s like a statue… he cannot rule in this condition… perhaps I should take over as Regent…           & nbsp; My son! My son…           &nbs p; Akunadin wept, as Seto was taken to the embalmers next. Something would have to be done, quickly!              ;  Mana inherited the Sennen Rod. It chose her when the test was held with all the prospective young priests, waiting to be chosen. There were rumors and glares but she had been Mahaado’s apprentice for more than five years so surely she was somewhat qualified…. Right?             In any case, the few that were jealous and tried to ambush her afterwards were founded choked to death by their own hands. She proved her Mastery of the Rod quite well, and quickly too.             There was no more to be said.             &n bsp; Shadah watched the proceedings with a sinking feeling. He was loyal to the Pharaoh, but Yami was truly just a figurehead. It was Mahaado doing the talking and the organizations, while the other priests chipped in their ideas. Yes, it was the Priest of the Millennium Ring and Pharaoh’s Consort who really ran the show.             He should trust Mahaado. Mahaado was the most loyal of them all, and no one would doubt his sincerity, but even so…             ; What does one sacrifice for the good of Egypt?             What had Mahaado given up for this position?             ; The other Priest had never wanted power, but the previous Pharaoh Akunumkanon had entrusted him with the protection of the Royal Tombs in the Valley of the Kings, as well as the security of the palace itself.             Quite a heavy burden indeed…           & nbsp; Now, though, Seto was gone, and perhaps Shadah was worried. None else would dare challenge Mahaado; save Akunadin alone… perhaps it was time to speak his mind.             There were undeniable currents of darkness around the Prince – no, the new Pharaoh. The Shadow Games may have tainted his soul, or the Realm consumed him…           &nbs p; It was not safe.             &n bsp;           The proposal was voted in and the priests adjourned. Mana gave Mahaado a jaunty wave as she and Aishizu walked off. She was still playing the ditz to some extent, although she had obviously matured, much to Shimon’s proud glances…              Shimon was fairly loyal, but he still held great love for Akunumkanon, and if he knew how they had manipulated the old king… well, things would not turn out so well…           &nb sp; Shadah stepped up to Shimon and beckoned him over. It was time to talk of important things.             Akunadin headed back off to the temple of Monster Tablets… er, the Ouija Shrine. He sighed.             His son…. Nothing could raise the dead, that he knew, and yet, he still worried…              What happened to his son?             Damned snakes… perhaps it was lucky that the snake hadn’t bitten the Pharaoh, but then again, he had been acting like a statue. Worthless nephew of his…           &nbs p; What good was he?             And now, if Mahaado thought of revenge… well, luckily Hathor’s priest was too soft to do that! Fool, but a useful one…           &nbs p; Akunadin was angry. But without his son…. He really was nothing but a broken old man. There were no pieces to play.             &n bsp; That was how Bakura found him. The famous Thief King wasted no time. A quick slit of the throat, a pluck, and the eye was his.             Excellent…. Now he had one of the Sennen Items. Once he gained all of them, the power of darkness would be his!             Yes, life was looking up indeed…                Not minutes later, the royal guards came rushing in, but the damage had been done. Akunadin’s Sennen Eye had been stolen and he was quite undeniably dead.             It seemed that a scourge had fallen upon the Kingdom.             The people worried over this, but not too much. Royal affairs were none of their concern unless it directly affected their lives…           &n bsp; Mahaado nodded. Bakura…           & nbsp; “I wonder…” He touched the Ring against this chest and felt a hum. “Oh, a child of Kuru Eruna? That certainly explains it…”          &nbs p;  “He’s strong,” Yami said offhandedly.           &n bsp; “You saw his Ka as well?”           &n bsp; “It’s quite lovely, for such a horrid monster… but don’t be jealous, Mahaado. I still love you the most.”           &n bsp; “I was thinking… perhaps he could be Greed… he is a tomb thief after all, or maybe Wrath…”              “Interesting…”              End Chapter Completed 10/9/05                            & nbsp;             &n bsp;            &nbs p;