Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Catechism ❯ Chapter 8

Hehehe… another chapter!

Yay for betrayal! Foreshadowing a future betrayal, eh? *Laugh*

I think I've fallen off the canon boat. Oops.

Disclaimer: Yu-gi-Oh! Belongs to Kazuki Takahashi. I make no profit off this fanfiction, and it belongs to me under international copyright laws. Don't steal and don't sue. Thank you, *Phantomness bows*

 

Chapter 8

 

It would have been more accurate to say, `Kill them'.

The Sennen Item holders congregated quickly, flew to the border with the aid of their Ka, and before the horrified eyes of the massing army, linked up in formation and summoned Exodia.

Their personal Ka beasts could wait until later.

The army was vanquished ever so quickly. After all, the Forbidden One was not named such for any childish reason.

The invaders had a few mages of their own, of course, but Mahaado stood alert, apart from the others, dispelling the spells sent their way, though some did wonder why he had a dragon loaded with jugs and jugs of date wine next to him. That left only four priests - Shadah, Karim, Aishizu, Akunadin, and the Pharaoh himself - to hold Exodia in being. Priest Donkor of the Sennen Rod was dead, and there had been no time to find a successor in the haste of battle.

First things first…

 

The earth itself shook, and those that were left alive of the Ethiopians were swallowed beneath quaking slabs of rock and dirt, dust enough to obscure the sky. Only one man remained, trembling in fear.

Yami beckoned to him. “Tell your `King', this is what his reward will be shall he ever oppose Egypt!”

The soldier fled.

Yami smiled at the Priests as Exodia vanished, released from their summon. “Should we wait for him here, or return to the Palace?”

“It is not wise to leave the Palace unguarded.” Akunadin said.

Mahaado nodded, and they summoned monsters to take them home again.

 

After that incident, several more of their neighboring countries sent dignitaries and offers of marriage. Yami wasn't sure if he wanted to applaud their sense of self-preservation or curse the extra work he had to deal with because of them. He settled for doing both.

“Do you see any you like?”

Mahaado frowned. “I only have eyes for you, my Pharaoh.” He whispered.

Yami replied with a smile, as girls dressed in fine linen and jewelry paraded before them. Pity. He should at least choose one…

But her…

 

She was quite beautiful, pale white hair, tinged with silver, blue eyes that were as clear as shining water…

High Priest Set liked her. He was the new Priest of the Sennen Rod, and it surprised no one. His father, Akunadin, was quite proud of his son. It would be a good match. Indeed, even now they were chatting quietly, surrounded by attendants.

How interesting…

Well, at least someone in his family was getting married…

 

There was a commotion as a servant girl dropped a golden box, sending precious jewels clattering over the floor like a rain of multicolored pebbles. Her master turned an angry glare upon her. She hastily picked up the pieces, cringing, expecting punishment.

Interesting.

“Not that one.” Yami shook his head. True, that girl was incompetent, but one who treated their servants such…. Didn't deserve any link to the throne. He took good care of his monsters.

The scribe nearby scribbled it down rapidly.

The man Yami had addressed pinned him with a furious glare before his brain caught up with his body and Mahaado stepped in front of the throne, pointers of the Ring turning to point at the man as black shadows gathered about his form.

Akunadin gave a single nod. Best make another example of them…

 

“Temporary sealing only.” Yami said. “Perhaps a few days in the Shadow Realm will encourage him to show more respect.”

Mahaado nodded. The man gave a scream as his body toppled over, and in the Magician's hands a small doll appeared, with a frozen expression of terror on its face. Perfect. Akunadin gave a solemn nod of approval.

Set shrugged, then returned to his conversation with Kisara, who blushed prettily behind her veil.

The rest of the ambassadors exchanged covert looks. Each one knew what the others were thinking. If only this power were on the side of my kingdom, what power!

Pity they were such transparent fools.

 

Mahaado set the doll down carefully in front of his Pharaoh with a bow. Yami paid it no attention, and beckoned the next petitioner forwards.

Let's see, this country was… oh? The Hittites?

They must have swallowed their pride over their defeat at the hands of his Father… and they had seen the monsters in action before.

Fascinating. They had a good reason to want an alliance then.

He eyed the two princesses who had been brought. They weren't exactly ugly girls… but he still felt no attraction.

It would be difficult to fake pleasure with one of them, but not impossible… and he could practice first.

Now then, to do a little investigation…

 

The feast that night was quite lively, with delicacies from every corner of the empire and its neighboring lands brought to bear. Yami endured it for the most part, knowing that he had to put on a display.

In all honesty, he felt like a piece of meat at the butcher's. The girls probably felt the same. Maybe he could find someone who would be preferable.

Mahaado could keep an eye on them. He caught the mage's eye and the Priest nodded his assent. Only the barest flicker of green showed in his eyes.

It was enough.

 

Set sighed as he and Kisara took a walk through the palace gardens. It was late at night, the moon glittered wet silver over the Nile, and the scent of blooming jasmine and honeysuckle filled the air.

It was perfect for a romantic rendezvous.

Admittedly, the Priest had slightly selfish reasons as well. He had caught a glimpse from Shadah. She had a strong Ka. A beautiful white dragon…

Well, if he were to be married, better to a woman that suited him! And Princess Kisara was close enough to perfection to please him.

Yes, he almost envied his cousin, but not so much now. For though Yami had the throne, he doubted that the Pharaoh had happiness.

What one gives up for power can be a high price indeed…

 

“They're not twins, are they?”

“No, my Pharaoh. The elder numbers sixteen years, the younger fourteen.”

“Hmm.” Yami nodded. “I would prefer the younger then. An older woman would try to meddle in my affairs.”

“No doubt as they intended.” Mahaado acknowledged. “The younger is more fair of face, but she is frail. Childbirth may be difficult.”

A strange expression glinted in ruby eyes, and Yami sighed. “I see. You would have me take them both?”

“If it were necessary, my Pharaoh.”

“And the other kingdoms? Anything practical?”

“I'm afraid not.”

“Then I shall convey my apologies.”

“The Council will not approve of this.”

“Ah, the Council.” Yami shook his head in exasperation. “I will meet with them tomorrow so we can argue out the strategy.”

“As you will, my Pharaoh.”

 

“Until then…” Yami said, with a smile, “You can keep me company tonight.”

“As you desire, my Pharaoh.”

“I desire you.” With that, the Pharaoh pushed his Priest back onto the bed with a feral grin. “Now.”

There were no more words spoken.

 

“You should not be here.” Shadah intoned seriously. The Princess from one of the foreign islands froze, her bracelets clacking.

Karim and Aishizu materialized out of the darkness behind him, lending their support to his accusation.

“That is the Pharaoh's bedchambers.” Aishizu said calmly. “It is forbidden to enter without permission.”

The princess blushed bright pink. “I…I got lost.”

Karim coughed, and the Scales in his hands jangled. “You lie.”

“She wanted a better chance at the throne?” Shadah's tone was almost polite, but the strange golden key around his neck glinted under the starlight.

“I suppose so.” Aishizu's Sennen necklace gave a burst of golden light and she crumpled. Karim immediately rushed to support her while Shadah kept his gaze pinned on Princess Diamond.

“What do you see?” The priest asked anxiously.

“Our Pharaoh… shall never choose you as his Queen, you harpy!” Aishizu screeched, eyes mad.

Karim's eyes widened as well. “The Scales show that she is …”

“Yes.” Shadah agreed. In a second, the Ankh had twisted her mind open. Set came along, hearing the commotion, and found that Shadah, Karim, and Aishizu had succeeded in extract the Princess's Ka. He merely raised a single eyebrow and found a tablet to seal it in.

No explanations necessary… after all, the Ankh and Scales didn't lie…

 

End Chapter

Completed 4/9/06

Don't die plotbunny! Hang on!

*Phantomness shoves plotbunny on life support apparatus*

Yami and Mahaado: …