Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Cries of an Ancient Heart ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )

Hey there! Yup, it's another chapter and I hope that you enjoy it. If you're a Seto fan he's in this chapter! Don't worry he's NOT TOTALLY evil in this story. He's actually a pretty GOOD guy and I won't make him suffer too badly either because he's not my favourite character. I may be weird, but I LOVE to inflict pain and suffering into my favourite characters. Am I a freak? \\Well you are talking to yourself.\\ Shut up! So anyway expect Yami to suffer a lot (emotionally/physically). MUWAHAHAHAHA! I guess the pairing is basically Seto/Yami, but they don't really do anything unless of course you want them to. Tell me if you do and I'll consider it. Enjoy!

"words" - speech

'words' - thought

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, shape or form own Yu-gi-oh or any of the characters mentioned hereafter, except for, Siamun, Netikerty, Pamiu, Seti and Nachash (I called him Panek before). All of the other characters (though not their names) came from Yu-gi-oh or Forbidden Memories the video game

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Chapter2

The year passed by rather quickly and Aumn swiftly became quite skilled in the Shadow games. Over the year, he was able to gain quite an impressive array of creatures and magics as comrades. This had involved making quite a few trips to the Shadow Realm. Some of the creatures joined him readily, while others put up a hard fight. In the end, though, all of them were very loyal. The magics he had either had to learn or find and contain. It was sometimes very dangerous, but both his most trusted creature, the Black Magician, and his mentor were always by his side. However, the effects of these prolonged periods in the Shadow Realm were beginning to become apparent on the latter of these people.

The now six year old Amun hurried through his training hall door. "Pamiu! I'm on time today, see?" he declared, breathing hard. "Pamiu?" he asked the old man, who was currently seated in a small chair near one of the large stone columns that held the heavy ceiling. The old man's head darted up suddenly, only now noticing his young pupil's arrival.

"Ah, I see that you're on time today my young Highness," he said, eyes dulled with obvious fatigue.

"Yes, Pamiu. I just said that," Amun answered softly, moving closer to his old friend. "Are you alright? You don't look very well."

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Maybe you should rest today. I'm sure that the Black Magician and I will be fine if we go to the Shadow Realm without you and you can join us again when you're feeling be-"

"I will do no such thing!" Pamiu yelled. "Your father would have my head if I ever did anything as foolish as that and besides I am perfectly fine. I'm simply a little tried and my back is a little sore, but those are all things that come with age."

"But Pa-"

"No buts. Come, let us be off," said Pamiu rising, but he stopped short and clutched is his chest.

"Pamiu! Pamiu, what is it?" Amun questioned, very worried.

"It's nothing. My chest just feels a little tight. I'm sure it will pa-Ah" he exclaimed suddenly and fell forward, still holding his chest.

"Pamiu, what's wrong? What's happening to you? Please tell me. What can I do?" asked Amun tears now forming as he knelt beside his fallen friend.

"I'm afraid… there's nothing you can do, my Prince. It is just my time to go."

"Go? Go where? I don't know what you mean. There has to be something I can do to help you." Amun looked around frantically then got an idea. "Black Magician, come forward, now!" As he had the year before the magician emerged and stood before the small boy. When he opened his eyes and saw the child face he immediately knew something was wrong. Taking in the entire scene, he just as quickly knew exactly what. "Black Magician, hurry go find my father and tell him to come. Pamiu is hurt." The magician gave a sharp nod and left.

"I am sorry Amun," Pamiu managed, his breaths now coming short, "but… I must take my leave of you now… Osirus beckons me to him."

"What do you mean? You're not going anywhere. You're still here and I won't let anyone take you."

"Thank you, my boy, but that is not your decision to mak-uh… You were an excellent student… and… may time… be… your ally." That said, he closed his eyes and drifted off into and eternal slumber. All that Amun could do was watch helplessly.

"Pamiu? Wake up. Say something! Pamiu! PAMIU!"

It had been over two months since Pamiu's sudden death and things still had not returned to normal. Upon reaching the training hall, Siamun had found his son desperately trying to wake his mentor. It took a long time for Siamun to calm him down and explain the situation, and since then he had neither spoken a word nor allowed even the smallest smile to grace his lips. It left the once lively palace a rather dreary place.

Pamiu had been a very highly respected man and his death was greatly mourned over by all in the kingdom. So, in order to honour his old friend, a grand feast was held. (Actually it was more like a festival, as everyone was invited) The pharaoh decided that this would be as good a place as any to announce the tournament that would decide the new High Priest. Usually, this role would have been granted to the Priest's eldest child, but Pamiu had had no children. Though he was old his death had not been anticipated quite yet, so he had yet to finish his training of Amun and start training an apprentice. Since children who went to school were taught by priests anyway most of them were skilled in the Shadow Magics, though some more than others, and also had a good idea of how the temples operated.

"Attention!" the pharaoh started, from his position behind a very large table, adorned with a white tablecloth. To his left sat his wife and to his right his son, his face looking as solemn as ever. Beside them both, along the rest of the table, sat the other officials, who managed the other provinces of Egypt, along with their families. Along another table, on a lower level, in front of them all sat the rest of the pharaoh's council. Everyone was silent. "As I am sure you are all aware, the reason we are all here is to honour a great man and a beloved High Priest, who has now departed on his journey to the afterlife. Unfortunately, his departure has left us with the difficult task of finding a suitable replacement. Therefore, I take this opportunity to announce that fourteen days from today there will be a tournament of Magics and Wizards to decide who this shall be. All entrants must be knowledgeable in the operations of the temples and the last person to remain shall be named High Priest of this land. I wish you all well, and now, on with the celebration!"

After that there was a lot of buzzing from the crowd as people started to discuss the tournament. Netikerty stood and went over to her son who was staring blankly at his plate, his food barely touched."

"Amun," she said tenderly, as most of the other inhabitants of the table were currently either dancing or chatting somewhere else, "you must eat something. I don't want you to get sick." She sighed when she got no reaction, and turned to look at her husband. He simply shook his head in a way that said to leave him be, and then turned, himself, to a figure that had just walked up beside him.

"Hello Siamun," greeted the figure, "It's been a while." Siamun looked at the man.

"It's only been two months Seti," he replied.

"Yes, but two months can seem like an eternity away from good friends," Seti replied in mock seriousness. Siamun rose, his face expressionless. Together they walked though the doors behind the table into a more private area where they could speak. As soon as the doors closed behind them they both burst out laughing. Neither of them was really sure what about, but they did anyway. Being the pharaoh of Egypt didn't tent to leave a lot of room for a lot of close friends, but the two men had known each other since childhood and they were as close as brothers.

Seti was a tall man, taller than the pharaoh in fact, with deep blue eyes and dark, shaggy, brown hair. He had been the son of one of the former pharaoh's council members and after his father had passed away he had taken his place.

"It's good to see you my friend," started the pharaoh. His smile faded for a moment, but was quickly replaced. "How are things in Meydum?" Seti knew him too well, though, and saw through him easily.

"They're fine, but that's not what I want to talk about now," he said. "Siamun, what is troubling you? Is this about Pamiu? I'm sorry. I know that he was like family to you."

"Hmm. In a way it is about Pamiu, but it's not me. Amun isn't taking it well. I haven't been able to get a word out of him since I found him with the body." He exhaled deeply and rubbed his temples. "I wouldn't admit this to anyone else, but… I honestly don't know what to do."

"Hey, don't worry yourself like this," Seti said comfortingly, with a pat on the shoulder, "Just give the boy some time and I'm sure that this will all work out." He gave his friend a small smile, which was gratefully returned. Then he looked for a different subject to discuss. "Wait, I haven't told you yet."

"Told me what?" Siamun inquired.

"About Seth."

"What about Seth?"

"I told him all about the tournament and as soon as he heard he started training like mad."

"Training? But isn't he a little young to be going for the title of Head Priest. He is only nine. And besides, I thought that he was going to take your place on the council after you've passed."

"Yes, I thought so too," Seti started, "but you know these children nowadays. He's so stubborn and he's determined to make his own title." He chuckled proudly.

"Did you tell him that if he wins he'll have to face me in the final round and that he'll also have to move here to Memphis?" asked Siamun.

"Yes I did, but all it seemed to do was make him even more determined to win. I couldn't even get him to stop training to come here with us. I'm not worried about him, though. He is quite a skilled player and he has yet to be defeated. Not to mention he spends most of his free time studying at the temples at home anyways, so he definitely knows the temple policies inside and out."

"Is that so?" Siamun said rubbing his chin. "Well, I wish him good luck, even if he doesn't need it," and they both smiled and once again returned to the ceremonies.

Two weeks later the tournament was held in the main duelling area of the central temple[1]. It was more like a stadium to be precise. It was huge and rectangular in shape, with an open roof. The duelling arena itself was set up in pretty much the same manner as Amun's training hall. In the centre of one of longer sides was a box especially for the royal family and other close friends. As such it was currently occupied by Siamun, Netikerty, Amun, Seti and his wife, all dressed in their finest robes. The rest of the seats were packed with observers, with the exception of the front-most row which was packed with competitors from all over Egypt. Some of them had come from great distances, using their creatures to get them there in time. What they all had in common were their goals; to become the next High Priest of Egypt.

The tournament lasted for two days and it was indeed impressive. There were many skilled duellists, and even thought the battles were without summonings, they were still quite exciting. However, there was one young duellist who caught the eyes of everyone in the audience; a small young boy. There was no doubt as to who he was. He was almost an exact replica of his father, except that where his father's hair was a bit untamed, his was smooth and neat, and where his father's eyes were warm and friendly, his were sharp and determined. He was none other than Seth, son of Seti and he was taking the tournament by storm. He had won all of his matches without breaking a sweat. Amun, who had not found anything that could hold his interest for the past few months, found himself waiting in anticipation every time the other boy stepped up to the platform.

In the early hours of the second afternoon, the competition was coming to a close. With one final blow, Seth easily became the victor. The crowd cheered loudly as the boy stepped forward to receive his prize. Siamun was about to rise and announce the final stage of the test when he felt a small hand on his own.

"Father? Please may I take your place?" Amun requested.

"Amun?" said Siamun, in surprise.

"Please father? May I please challenge this boy in your place?" he begged. Siamun was about to say no, until he looked over to his wife who seemed to be giving him a pleading look of her own.

'Well,' thought the Pharaoh, 'This is the first time he's even spoken in months. Maybe this will do him some good.' "Alright then. Go on," he finally replied. He could have cried tears of joy when he saw the wonderfully gleeful expression on the child's face as he ran off. After Amun was on his way he stood to make his announcement. "Young Seth, you have proven yourself as worthy of the title and I will admit that I am quite impressed with your skill."

"Thank you sire," responded the brown-haired nine-year old with a small bow.

"Yes," continued Siamun, "however there is still one more battle to be fought and this time you must actually summon your creatures. Usually, you would go head to head with me, but this year there has been a slight alteration." Everyone gasped in surprise as an even smaller figure emerged from an opening below the royal box and strolled up to the already small blue-eyed figure. "I hope that you will find my son a worthy opponent."

'His son? That is the fearsome, all-powerful prince of Egypt that I've heard so much about' thought Seth. 'I guess I should listen to mother more when she tells me not to listen to gossip. Those rumours can really get out of control. Tuh!' he reflected, looking at the fragile looking boy coming towards him, 'I can't believe that I actually have to duel this little kid. He doesn't even look like a challenge. How hold is he anyway, five? Oh well, I'll jus have to show everyone here that even the "Great Prince of Egypt" can't stand up to the all powerful Seth!' He let his lips form a small smirk. Amun saw this and gave a smirk of his own.

'This guy probably thinks that I'll be a pushover,' he mused 'but I'll teach him not to prejudge people.' "It's good to finally meet you," Amun started, extending his arm.

"Likewise I'm sure," Seth accepted, so as not to anger his father who he knew was watching him intently.

"So you are Seth, Seti's son correct?" Amun asked.

"Yes and you are his Highness Siamun-pa-sheri," came the reply.

"Yes, but I'd prefer it if you'd just call me Amun."

"Whatever." Amun was about to retort, but he was interrupted.

"Alright, take your places," came his father's voice and so the two did just that. "Now, begin!"

It was a long and difficult battle. They both started at 8000 life-points a piece, but Amun had managed to gain the lead having 3000 life pints where Seth only had 2700. They were both beginning to tire, but neither would show it.

"Cursed Dragon, attack the Dark Clown Master Sagi, now!" yelled the prince. Seth grimaced slightly as his life points dropped to 2500, his clown having powered up by his Darkness Generator. "This match isn't as easy as you thought it would be is it Seth?" Seth stared at the other for a moment then started to laugh, which greatly confused everyone.

"I admit," he began, "I didn't expect you to last this long, however," he paused to examine the newly drawn tablet that had materialized before him, "this is as far as you go. For now, I summon the ultimate creature, the Legendary Blue Eyes White Dragon!" All that anyone could do was to stare in awe as the stone tablet became a gigantic, white, bird-like lizard. It gave a screeching roar and took off, soaring high above the arena. "So what do you think of my Blue Eyes? It's the most powerful creature in the game. You'll never defeat it. Hmm, now which creature should I attack first. Tough one." His eyes roamed over Ammun's side the field. 'Let's see. He has that Black Magician of his in defence, some other creature face down in defence, a magic or trap hidden from me and that dragon. I guess I should end this quick, so the only thing to do is…' "Attack the Cursed Dragon!" And in a blast of intense light the smaller dragon was no more. "Ha, ha, ha! Why don't you just give in?"

"In your dreams!" growled Amun. He had never been the type to give up before and he wasn't going to start now. 'Darn. There's nothing in my hand that can help me out of this, but I won't give in, I won't. I'll just have to rely on whatever I draw next.' With that a new tablet appeared and revealed itself to him. 'What? But this isn't mine. This creature belonged to…' He thought for a moment. 'Oh, now I understand "may time be your ally." So this is what he meant. Thank You,' he thought with a smile.

"Are you going to play or not?" asked Seth impatiently.

"Oh yes I am, and it's a creature that's going to bring your dragon down." Seth looked shocked. "Go Time Magician, Spinning Time Roulette." All eyes watched closely as the arrow sped up, the slowed down and then… "Yes! Go Time Magician: Time Warp!" Suddenly, a huge distortion appeared above the field and dust flew everywhere. When the dust settled everyone stared in amazement at the aged Black Magician and the empty space where proud Blue Eyes once stood. "It looks like your ultimate creature wasn't so ultimate after all, and with your points at 1000 and mine at 2000, it seems that I am in the lead again" jeered the young prince. For a moment, anger flashed in Seth's eyes, at the loss of his Blue Eyes, but then it was once again replaced by a confident smirk, which surprised Amun to say the least.

"Ha, so you managed to defeat my dragon after all. Well, I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't impressed."

"Uh… thanks," Amun blushed.

"Don't let it go to your head, though, because now I call forth my second Blue Eyes White Dragon!" and as before the creature appeared. "Don't be too disappointed, now. You did dive it a good shot. Go, Blue Eyes White Dragon, White Lightning!"

"It looks like Seth has this one won as well," stated Seti, admiring his son proudly.

"So it seems," agreed Siamun dejectedly. 'Argh, there's now way he can win now,' he thought as he watched the attack head straight for his old partner. 'Wait…'

"Not so fast," came the prince's voice, "I summon the Demon Rain which negates your dragon's attack."

"What? But how can you summon anything on my turn?" Seth asked, fuming.

"Simple. I'll explain. When I used the Time Magician id didn't just destroy your dragon it also caused my Black Magician to age and become the Black Robed Sage and I can use my Sage's ability to summon any magic I choose, once in my turn and once in yours."

"Grr. No way… well it won't help you for long. You can't hold out with magic for ever you know?"

"Oh, I know. I don't plan to either 'cause now it's my turn and I call upon the Dark Knight Gaia." From the tablet emerged an armoured man on horseback. "But I'm not finished yet, because now I use the Sage's special ability to induce the Ritual of Chaos. Next I sacrifice my Knight and my face down creature, Kuriboh, to the ritual, to summon the Chaos Soldier, with an attack power of 3000 and 2500 in defence." Everyone, including the parents of the two boys, was stunned into silence.

"Ha! A lot of good that will do you," said Seth confidently, "They're equally matched."

"Don't be so sure."

"Huh?"

"You forgot about my last face down card." Amun slowly turned his last card over. "Go Force!"

"What? What is that card?"

"Huh! Force is a magic that allows me to take half of the attack power of one creature and add it to another creature's, and I choose to take half of your Blue Eyes' attack power and add it to my Chaos Soldier's. So now my Soldiers attack is 4500, while your dragon's is only 1500. Well it was a fun duel," Amun added nonchalantly, "Chaos Soldier attack with Chaos Blade!" The spectators shielded their eyes as the final creature was reduced to nothing but dust and ashes.

With the match settled the remaining creatures simply bid their master farewell and returned home. As soon as the crowd registered what has just happened they applaud wildly for both boys. They were both truly amazing young duellists.

"Well Seti," Siamun taunted, "it looks like Seth isn't undefeated anymore."

"Blowhard," Seti muttered under his breath.

"Eh? What was that?"

"Oh… nothing," Seti replied, laughing nervously.

Netikerty sighed as the two started to argue. (Not too loudly, though) 'And I thought that Seth and Amun were supposed to be the children.' From the look Seti's wife had on her face it was apparent that she was thinking the same thing. 'Men!'

Getting over his slight embarrassment, Amun went over to shake a still-in-shock Seth's hand. "We'll have to do this again some time, eh Seth?"

"What? You just beat me. I'm nothing but a joke now, so why would you waste your time."

"Nonsense. You were the winner of this whole event and you're the new High Priest. I don't think that anyone would be stupid enough to laugh at you after that." Amun reassured him with a wide grin. "Friends?" Seth stared at him for a moment, looking for some hidden motive.

"Yes, friends. But I'm still going to beat you eventually."

"Of course. I wouldn't have it any other way."

To Be Continued…

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Authoress' Notes:

Ah yes, another chapter done. I don't think it flowed as well as I would have liked. Anywho, in the next instalment, BAKURA! So for all of you fans out there, he should be here by next Sunday; at least I hope so. I'm very sorry if whatever happened in the duel has no bearing whatsoever on what could happen in an actual game, but I don't know any of the rules, aside from what I've learned from watching the American version. (shudders) Any other card info came from Edo's Yu-gi-oh Page! (Check it out here: http://www.stormpages.com/edhrzic/Yugioh.htm.) and Millennium Power (Check it out here: http://www.milleniumpower.com/)Don't expect the character's decks to match perfectly either.

[1] "central temple" Yeah I made that one up. So sue me. (DO NOT TAKE THAT STATEMENT LITTERALLY!)

Please review if you liked it (or if you hated it), so that I know I should keep going (or keep going anyway to spite you). I've got almost all of the chapters planned out already, but I am still definitely going to need help writing at least two more duels. PLEASE HELP!

Finally, I have a picture of a young Amun (Yami) that I drew a while ago but it kind of goes along with my story. If I have time, I'll draw more, but check them out under fanart.