Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Cries of an Ancient Heart ❯ Chapter 4 ( Chapter 4 )

Welcome to the fourth instalment of Cries of an Ancient Heart. Sorry for the wait. If you read the authoress' notes at the end of the last chapter then you should know what happens in this chapter. If you didn't then you're probably not reading this one either. This chapter took a lot of thought and it originally was going to have a bit more torture, but when I thought about it, I realized that it didn't really add anything to the plot, so I didn't bother. Oh yeah and I forgot to mention last time, this chapter also sort of explains the God Cards. I go into more detail about them later though. Before I forget this too, my drawing of Amun is up. I actually drew it long before I even thought up the story, but it still works. Check it out!

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"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. All of the other characters (though not their names) came from Yu-gi-oh or Forbidden Memories the video game.

Warnings: Brief, non-graphic nudity (a.k.a. 'fluff' for this fic). It's nothing dirty, just cute. So, you see that gutter over there? *Points to gutter.* Go and get your mind out of it. Also major sap alert!

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Chapter4

Having heard screams from the vicinity of their camp Ishtal had returned to find a strange, swirling, black dome covering the area. Trying to get inside proved to be fruitless as touching it only seemed to lead to either coming straight out on to the other side, or coming out on the same side. With no other option apparent he had decided to wait and see if anything would happen. After what felt like forever, the vapour-like dome dissolved and revealed a man he didn't recognise lying lifeless on the ground and the young prince, completely dazed, holding another still form he quickly recognised as the pharaoh. He hurriedly moved over to his fallen master to check for any signs of life, but found none. The only thing left to do then was return to Memphis.

Upon their arrival the two informed the council of what had happened. Having enough presence of mind to decide that it was best not to leave it, Amun had brought the Ring back with them and it was decided by the council give it to Heishin for safe keeping. At the time he really hadn't given it a second thought as he really had other more pressing issues on his mind.

When he finally got the chance he went to go see his mother who he thought had not been told anything yet. However rumours spread quickly through the great palace and before he had even gotten to her they had already reached.

"Siamun!" He barely had a chance to close the doors of her chambers before he was encircled with a pair of familiar arms and roughly pulled into a tight hug. When he regained his bearings he realised that someone was kneeling before him and weeping into his hair.

"M-Mother?"

"Amun, my little Amun," she sobbed, pulling him even closer. "I thought that I had lost you both[1]!"

"Please forgive me Mother," he begged, fighting back his own tears. "I tried. I really did, but… but… I failed. I… I couldn't… I didn't save him." He paused a moment to take in a breath and steady himself. He had to be strong. Now that his father was gone it was all up to him. "But don't worry," he said, finally returning the embrace, "I'll take good care of everything, I swear. Everything's going to be just fine. You'll see." They both remained in that position for a long time, each trying to comfort the other. Things would never be the same.

The next seventy-some-odd days[2] were undeniably the hardest the young prince had ever gone through. His father's sudden death had caused a lot of turmoil in the land and he felt that it was his responsibility as heir to the throne to sort everything out. To add to the stress that that was causing him, his mother didn't seem to be getting any better. For the past few weeks she had been trying to cope with the loss of her love and failing miserably. Amun tried to help her through it and she would give him a smile whenever he was around, but he could always tell that it was forced. It wasn't long before he couldn't even get that and within nine or so weeks she was bed-ridden. Everyone figured that she was having a hard time letting go so they simply did their best to make sure she ate and got rest. If all of these hassles weren't bad enough Amun still had one more obstacle: the Test.

Seth was looking all over for Amun. He had been very distant over the past few weeks, which was understandable, but recently he'd seemed especially so. So far he had checked his room, his training hall and a few other places that he knew Amun liked to go, but so far he had no luck.

'Well, he probably went someplace where he'll be left alone for a while,' he though to himself, 'But where could he go so that no one would bother him, besides me of course. Hmm… aha!" Quickly, Seth hurried to the bath house reckoning that would be the only place that no one would dare to disturb the other. Sure enough as soon as he entered he found the person he was looking for. Unfortunately, (depending on how you look at it) he was just coming out of bath [3].

Amun slowly climbed out of the bath, retrieved a linen towel and proceeded to dry himself off. After finally drying his face he noticed the person gaping at him from the door. "Seth, what are you doing here?" he questioned wrapping the towel around his waist.

"Ah…I-I was looking for you," Seth responded. He really wasn't sure why but his mouth had suddenly become very dry and his voice sounded a few pitches too high. The smaller boy eyed him curiously then approached him and placed a hand on his forehead. Seth, surprised by the unexpected contact, turned a shade of red that would rival Ra at sunset. "Wh-What are you doing?" he asked jumping back.

"I was just checking to see if you have a fever. You look flushed and you're all sweaty," Amun answered.

"Oh… Oh no it's nothing," he stuttered, trying to laugh at the same time. "It's just … uh… the heat… in the bath house… yeah… It's a lot cooler out there." He motioned to the door. Amun sighed in relief.

"That's good. I don't want you getting sick too." Seth noticed his face fall as he looked away. They both strode over to the edge of the bath and sat; Amun with his feet dangling in the water and Seth cross-legged.

"How is she?" he asked.

"Not good. She hardly talks to me anymore and barely holds anything she eats down." He sighed again and placed his head in his hands. "I just don't know what it is I'm supposed to do now. Everything's just happening so fast… I just… I don't… I'm so confused."

"Hey, hey don't stress yourself out like that. You're going to run yourself down if you keep it up. Now come on." He rubbed the smaller boys back soothingly. Amun looked up with a small, but sad smile.

"Thanks Seth. I'm glad we became friends."

"Aww come on don't start gettin' all gushy on me." They both laughed. "So do you think you're ready for the Test?" Seth asked effectively changing the subject and breaking the mood. "It's tomorrow you know."

"Yes, I know and I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be," said Amun. "I can't really prepare myself since no one knows what actually happens except for the pharaohs themselves, and apparently they're not allowed to speak of it to anyone after they pass."

"I suppose you're right." He paused and looked away thoughtfully for a moment. "'Mun… Promise me something," he requested hesitantly.

"What?" Seth hesitated.

"Promise me that you'll come back alive," he stated, facing his friend again. "After all," he quickly added, "I still haven't defeated you yet." Amun chuckled a bit.

"Is that all you think about?" he asked.

"Yes."

"Alright then, deal."

The night didn't even seem to have happened to Amun when he awoke the next morning. Today he had to take the Test of Approval. If he was to become Pharaoh he had to prove that he had blessing from the Gods to do so. That was where the test came in.

Slowly he walked down the dimly lit corridor in an area of the palace he had never been allowed to visit before. Every few feet there was a statue of some god or other and between them stood a guard. The walls had some writing on them, but he wasn't really focusing on what they said. The assembly included the higher members of the council in front of him, including Seth, Seti, who had come especially for this, and Hieshin. Behind him were the lower members of the council and some priests. He was led down the hallway for what felt like hours, but were actually minutes. Finally they reached a small chamber. It was fairly bare. There was nothing really in it as far as he could see. A few more torches, carvings and statues adorned the walls, but nothing spectacular. The procession came to a halt and most of the group arranged themselves in lines along the sides. Then he noticed the Door. It was a huge cast iron door with all kinds of engravings on it, mainly different forms of Horus. Above it there seemed to be some sort of flame holder, but there was no light coming from it. Observing the door a bit more closely, Amun noticed that it seemed to cast a shadow. 'It isn't attached to the wall?'

"This is the Judgment Gate," spoke someone abruptly, that someone being Heishin. Suddenly, with no aid the doors creaked open. The only sound in the room now was the sound of the straining hinges. Amun was shocked to say the least. Seeing that the doors weren't actually connected to anything, the last thing he expected to se was the large empty void that now stood before him. "When you're ready Your Highness," said the vizier motioning towards the void.

Amun swallowed hard, but took a hesitant step forward. Then another. And another, until he was inside and the door slammed shut behind him. As soon as it had, the apparently dormant flame above the door sparked to life.

When the doors closed Amun was plunged into endless black. Unconsciously, he reached for the puzzle at his chest. He felt nothing. 'What the-' he thought. He dropped to the floor and frantically searched for the missing object in the darkness.

"Do you believe that you are the rightful successor to the throne of Egypt?" asked a voice out of nowhere.

"Who…Where are you?"

"Answer my question!" boomed the voice.

"Yes I do. Now answer mine," she shouted back.

"Why do you believe that you are deserving of this position?" asked the voice, ignoring his request.

"Grr. Are you going to answer my question or not?" Amun yelled, getting extremely annoyed.

"Mind your place young one. You are the one being judged. Now, answer me. Why do you believe that you deserve to be pharaoh?"

"Simple, because I am the Living reincarnation of Horus," he said standing up, "therefore it is my right; no it is my duty to succeed my father."

"If this is what you believe then you must prove it," said the voice and suddenly the area lit up and before him a duelling arena appeared. "Well step up." Amun stepped forward and onto the platform. "Let's not waste time with small talk," the voice said.

"You read my mind." He waited. "Well, aren't you going to take your place?"

"Do not worry I can play from where I am. We'll both start at 4000."

"Fine. Your move."

"Thank you. I call forth the Tiger Axe in attack mode." Amun looked at the monster and laughed.

"Good creature, but it's still no match for my Elfin Swordsman." An elf-like man appeared on the field, holding a heavy steel sword tightly in his grasp. "Attack!" The other creature was sliced and dissipated in a shower of glitter. Its master's life points dropped to 3900. The voice however seemed unperturbed and chuckled darkly.

"Nicely played child, but this is far from over."

"That's another of your creatures gone," announced Amun as the Black Magician annihilated his opponent's creature. He was breathing hard. Battles in the Shadow Realm were always strenuous; after all, humans weren't really meant to exist there.

"My turn again," said the voice. "I'll call one creature hidden and in defence and I'll place a device also hidden, but is it magic or is it a trap? I'll let you figure that out for yourself."

'Hmm,' thought Amun, 'He's probably trying to get me to attack by saying that. It's probably some sort of trap, but what if it isn't and I leave it there. It could probably do more damage." He looked over his choices. 'Let's see. I have an arm, two legs and my Rock Soldier. Right. I guess I'd better draw.' He eyed his newest creature and smiled. 'I'll attack, but I won't risk the magician.' "I summon the Red Eyes Black Dragon."

"I wasn't expecting that," said the voice.

"Ha, I'll bet. Go Red Eyes!" The large black beast opened its jaws and released a large fiery blast.

"I may not have been expecting it, but I was prepared for it." He turned over his face-down tablet. "Holy Barrier: Mirror Force!"

"No!" Amun watched helplessly as his attack was sent right back at him. Before any damage was inflicted upon him however his creatures came to his defence. "Black Magician, Red Eyes!" he called out to the magician and the dragon. But it was too late. They were gone. He gritted his teeth and awaited his foe's next move.

"I believe that it's my turn again and you've made this even easier for me than I though possible." Amun just glared. "Watch. First, I'll use Raise the Dead to call back your fallen dragon, only he's mine now. Next I reveal my face down creature the Demon Summon." The prince's eye's widened. "I see you recognize it. Yes, I have one of these as well, so I assume you know what happens next. Let two be one!" The dragon and the new skeleton-like creature seemed to almost melt together. "And they become the Black Demon's Dragon. Since I revived a creature I can't attack, it's your turn."

'Just great! What do I do?' He drew a tablet. 'Yes! Always useful in a pinch.'

"Make your move boy," commanded the voice.

"I will. Sealing Swords of Light."
"Tuh! Running scared?" he mocked. "All right then. I'll simple draw a tablet as well."

'I've got to figure something out now,' Amun reckoned. 'I don't have anything useful in my hand still. He drew again and gasped in surprise. 'This is the right arm of the Forbidden One… and if I'm not mistaken, I have most of the other with me too.' He looked over his hand. 'Yes, all except one. I have to draw it.' "For the moment, I'll play my Rock Soldier in defence mode."

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Is that all you have left? Well it won't be much of anything after you see the tablet that I've just drawn. I play the Ward of Magic Dispelling, which removes your swords and I attack your Rock Soldier with my Molten Fireball!" The soldier was reduced to dust.

'Dammit… uh… darn… oh whatever! I can't stall any longer. I need to draw this card.' He breathed deeply. 'Okay Amun. You can do this. You have to. Everyone's counting on you.' Slowly the final tablet rose and revealed itself.

"Are you going to surrender child and save yourself the humiliation of defeat?"

"I don't see why I should surrender when I've already won."
"What!"

"Observe. I've collected all five pieces, so now summon forth The Forbidden One: Exodia!" In front of the small prince a portal appeared and through it came a creature of immense power. It looked like a giant living sarcophagus. "Exodia, obliterate!" Nothing was left standing. "It's over, so reveal yourself," Amun demanded.

"I am amazed. You are quite powerful for one of your age, but the test is not over yet," the voice stated, "You must perform three tasks in order to pass. The first, simply passing through the portal, was a test of your bravery. The second, our duel, was a test of your Shadow Skills[4]. The final will be a test of the strength of your mind."

"What is it?" asked Amun.

"Look before you." Amun looked around, but saw nothing, all the creatures having returning to their respective homes, as the duel was over. Just as he was getting exasperated, the duelling arena started to fade away and where his opponent should have been a small golden object appeared, floating in mid air. When the glimmer died down he finally realized what it was.

"The puzzle!" As soon as it dawned on him he ran towards the token. Just as he had reached it, it shattered into several smaller pieces. "What's happen-" He didn't have much time to wonder, as before him what seemed to be a giant hourglass appeared. The voice spoke up again.

"You have until the sand runs from one end of this device to the other in order to complete the puzzle."

"WHAT! Are you MAD? It'll take me forever to piece this thing back together."

"Then I suppose you shouldn't waste any time," the voice chuckled. Amun just growled under his breath, but stopped and got to his task as the hourglass magically inverted itself. Frenetically, he went from piece to piece desperately trying to fit one into the other. When almost half the sand had run out he had still barely gotten anywhere. Frustrated he though the puzzle to the ground and sighed. He looked up. A bit less than two thirds was gone now.

"I can't believe I've failed twice," he whispered to himself. "I couldn't save you father and now I won't even be alive long enough to fulfill your wish. And what about mother? NO! I can't just give up," he looked up again new resolution burning in his eyes. "If I give up now what will happen to her? And Seth. I promised him I would come back and I refuse to go back on my word. A pharaoh's word is his bond." With that he once again picked up the puzzle and slowly but surely the pieces came into place. Click. Time was almost up now. Click. Just a few more pieces. Click. Three seconds. Click. Two. Click. One. Click. The puzzle, now whole, once again shone brightly and enveloped him in its warm light. He closed his eyes and let his mind revel in the feeling. When he opened them again the puzzle was back around his neck giving of a soft glow, his wounds were healed and there was something heavy resting upon his head. He reached up to feel and examine it.

"Do you not recognise it, young one?" asked the voice again.

"Hmm?"

"It is your crown. Like your father's, it is proof that you have passed the test."

"Who are you? Show yourself," demanded the new pharaoh.

"As you wish, Your Majesty." As if stepping out of the shadows a figure stepped forward. Amun could hardly believe his eyes.

"Father?" Caught up in pure joy Amun dashed up to his father and wrapped his small arms tightly around the man. "Father I can't believe it's really you! I thought that you were gone forever."

"Young one, you misunderstand," spoke the former pharaoh, "I am not your father."

"Wh-What?" stated Amun pulling away a bit, "But you have to be. You look just like him. How… Who are you then?"

"I am simply a spirit sent to conduct the test. Since that is all I am I do not truly have a form and I choose to appear as whatever my subject's heart wishes me most to be. For you it was your father."

"Oh," was all Amun could really say as he stepped back from the spirit, feeling slightly ashamed.

"Do not feel awkward child. It is natural of you to miss your father. Believe me I have seen many a pharaoh wish for much more embarrassing things. I've seen a great one in particular wish for me to be his mother." The spirit chuckled to lighten the mood and received a small giggle in return.

"But wait Spirit," Amun questioned, something suddenly coming to mind, "I know my father's voice and yours sounds just like it, so why didn't I recognize you before?"

"Ah yes. Well you see it is one of the properties of this Realm. It distorts everything; time, space, even your own memories."

"This place; it looks like the Shadow Realm, but somehow it doesn't feel the same, not as… I don't know… heavy. Do you get what I'm trying to say?"

"Yes I understand," said the spirit, "And you are very observant. You are correct. This place is similar to the Shadow Realm, because it has some of its properties. However, it feels differently because it is somewhere in between that realm and yours, so you still feel some of the stronger powers radiating from the Shadow Realm, but it is balanced by those from your own. This realm only exists for this purpose though, to carry out the test. That is why there are so few entrances."

"I see," said Amun. "So what happens now?"

"Now you return home, but not before we do one more thing."

"Uh… What's that?" inquired the curious child.

"For passing the test you are allowed request one thing from me and if it is within my power, I will grant it." The spirit crouched down to stare him in the eye. "Consider this carefully." Amun thought long and hard.

'I could wish to bring my father back!' he thought. 'No, he said something within his power and I doubt that a simple spirit has the power to overrule both Osiris and Anubis[5]. I could ask for wealth and power. NO! You're a pharaoh now Amun,' he berated himself, 'People count on you. You have to think about how your actions affect them. So what should I ask for?' He pondered again, 'I know.' "Spirit I know what I want."

"And what is it that you wish of me?" the spirit asked.

"I want to know… I want to know how to put a stop to the shadow games once and for all, before they hurt any more people." The spirit looked pensive for a moment.

"I am sorry, but it is not within my power to give you that information." Amun's jaw dropped… hard.

"What do mean 'it's not within my power!' That's ridiculous! How can it not be in your power to TELL me something?"

"I am sorry, but it is not," the spirit tried to apologize.

"Ugh!"

"However-"

"Hmm?"

"I do know this. You will find the answer when the time comes and I have a gift that will help you complete your task." The spirit waved his hand through the air and before Amun appeared three small rectangular sources of light. The light faded.

"These… These look like Magics and Wizards creatures," Amun realized, taking them into his hands, "But I've never seen them before and they're drawn on papyrus." He read their inscriptions. "The God of Sun, Dragon Ra, Saint Dragon: the God of Osiris and the God of Obelisk. But these are… what are they?"

"These are the god cards they will be the key to unlocking your destiny."

"God cards? What do you mean unlock my destiny?" asked the small pharaoh, furrowing his brow. The spirit chuckled as his form slowly faded away.

"So many questions child. You will see."

"Hey! Wait- whoa!" Amun couldn't finish. His body was once engulfed in bright light and lifted by what felt like a strong wind.

"Don not forget speak of this to no one."

Outside the tall cast iron door a lone guard stood watch. He yawned, obviously getting bored. He was sure if something didn't happen soon he'd either go crazy or fall asleep. Then the flame above the Door went out. The guard jumped and unsure of what to do went to find someone. He ran as quickly as he could through the labyrinth like passageways until he bumped into someone.

"Master Seth," said the guard bowing, "Pleas forgive me." Seth recomposed himself from his near fall.

"What is it?" The guard looked up at the man standing next to Seth.

"Master Seti, the flame has gone out sir." The two blue eyed men gasped.

"Father, do you think that something bad has happened to Amun?"

"I don't know, but we should go and find out. You," he motioned to the guard, "You are dismissed."

The two finally arrived back at the Door and found it still closed. Seth was about to start panicking when they heard a rumbling sound and saw the Door once again open. This time, however, instead of an inky void there was a blinding light pouring out and the two had to shield their eyes. Seth chose to try and get a look through squinted eyes and noticed something coming out. It walked towards them slowly then stopped. When it did that, the doors suddenly slammed shut behind it allowing them to get a better look at the creature.

"Amun!" Seth ran up and embraced his friend tightly then pulled back holing him at the shoulders. "You did it? You passed?"

"Uh-hu," was Amun's response and a small nod. He was extremely exhausted.

"We were all beginning to get very worried about you," Seti spoke up. "You've been gone for nearly five days."

"Five days?" replied Amun incredulously, "But I just left not more than a few hours ago; two at the most." Seth raised an eyebrow at him.

"Amun, it's been five days since you left." Amun thought for a moment.

'I suppose that this is what the spirit meant by distorting everything.' Seth turned to Seti.

"Father, may I speak with him alone for a moment?" Seti nodded understandingly and left. Seth sighed. "Amun, there's something really important I have to tell you."

"Yes Seth, what is it?" Amun asked, curiously, cocking his head to the side. Seth felt his stomach drop as he gazed into the smaller boys crimson eyes. They were so full of trust and now he had to break that. He didn't want to, but it had to be done and he was the best person to do it.

"Amun… it's about… it's about your mother."

"What's wrong? Did something happen?" Amun questioned, his face showing his growing concern.

"A few days after you left… I… she…"

"Spit it out Seth!" Amun was getting impatient now. If it was something important about his mother then he wanted to know what it was. Seth took a deep breath and shut his eyes.

"A-Amun, a few days after you left your-your mother… her heath… i-it took a turn for the worse. She was complaining about a headache and she wouldn't stop vomiting and then she got this really, really high fever[6] and… and…" He was really dreading saying this part of the sentence. Seth opened his eyes and looked at his friend's shocked face. He exhaled loudly and put his hands on the other's shoulders. "Amun last night… she… she passed away." The miniature monarch was stupefied. "Everyone, the healers, they did everything they could…" Seth continued saying something, but he didn't hear it. It was all just too much too soon. His mind was already exhausted from is previous journey and now he had to come back to this. His whole family was gone. It couldn't be happening. Life was so perfect just a few sparse months ago. Now, everything seemed to be spinning out of control, literally. The entire room was spinning. It was hard to breathe and he couldn't see straight. "'Mun!" It was a good thing Seth already had his hands on his shoulders, because it made him easy to catch. He lowered them both to the ground and cradled the smaller boy against his chest. He didn't know why, but it pained him to see the other hurt so. "I know it's been hard," he whispered to the unconscious boy, "But I will be there for you no matter what, my friend."

To Be Continued…

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Authoress' Notes:

I know, I know, corny ending, but that's the best way I could come up with to end this chapter. Sheesh, everyone seems to be dropping like flies, don't they. Once again please forgive the duel. I really have no idea as to how to structure a proper deck or how each creature works exactly. By the way, I don't know when the next chapter will be up by. I'm still kind of working out the details. There should be six chapters in all when I finish and I have the sixth chapter all planned out already, but the fifth is still iffy. So I'll update when I can. Just know this: this is where things actually start to go bad. You're probably thinking, 'You mean things aren't bad right now?' And the answer to that question is yes, that is exactly what I mean. Also, there's another fluffy moment between my favourite pharaoh and high priest so tune in!

[1] Just in case anyone was wondering why she though they had both died, recall the second chapter when Seth's mother said not to pay attention to rumours.

[2] The embalming process took about 70 days.

[3] *Cat calls* Ah yes, fluff. It's perfectly okay, though, as nudity was rather acceptable in Egypt. It's true. I found that out while I was doing some research. Oh and in case you weren't adding and stuff Seth is 13 now since Amun is 10.

[4] Not the anime!

[5] God of the underworld and the devourer of souls MUHUHAHAHAHA*choke* *cough* *cough*

[6] Can anyone guess what she has? I'll give you a hint. Its name means 'bad air.'

And now a rant: I found out what more they could possibly do (recall last rant). They could turn Anzu into EVEN MORE OF A FRIENSHIP RATTLING PRAT! They totally turned her speech to Step Johnny (a.k.a. Johnny Steps, which actually makes sense considering that in Japanese first and last names are reversed) about dancing into another friendship rant. Damn you 4Kids! WHY!? I wonder if I would dislike her as much if I could actually see the good (a.k.a. Japanese) version of Yu-gi-oh. I still don't hate Anzu it's just that she gets on my nerves sometimes. *sigh* -End of Rant-

One more thing. I read a fic a long while ago and I can't remember the name or the name of the author and it's really bugging me. All that I remember is that it was also about the past in Egypt and there was a vote and it was decided that Bakura's name would be Kura. Also Yami passes out a lot. It was a really great fic only now I can't find it so if anyone remembers it could they help me out please.

Please review!