Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Evading Destiny ❯ Chapter 12
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: Murasaki Rose 
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Shounen / Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 12.03.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Shounen / Romance / Fantasy / Hentai / Adventure | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 12.03.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.4K | Visits: 416 | Status: Work In Progress
Title: Evading Destiny
Part: 12/??
Author: Murasaki Rose
Beta: none
Genre: Romance/Fantasy/AU
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Yami Yuugi's real name
Warnings: Yaoi (male x male), implied Mpreg
Pairings: YYxY, SxJxS, DxT, YBxR, YMxM
Minor Pairings: BMGxA, BMxK, TxCxH, HxO, PxC, IxM
Disclaimer: Here we go. Yu-Gi-Oh and all its characters are the property of Kazuki Takahashi, Shueisha, Konami, Toei, and unfortunately, 4 Kids Entertainment. In other words, I don't own them and I'm not making any money off of this, I'm just a fangirl having some fun.
A/N: "text" = speech, 'text' = thought, ((text)) = telepathy
Summary: Sequel to Retrieving Destiny. Months after their fateful trip to Egypt, the reunited soul mates continue to adjust to their new life in Domino as well as the modern teens' impending graduation. Things appear to be going well until a strange series of seemingly random attacks and bizarre accidents begin plaguing both the lights and their protectors, forcing their lovers into action. In order to protect their mates, the ancient beings must now determine not only the fate of the "lost" city of Atlantis, but also their entire species! The race is on to find the answers before they all face annihilation at the hands of an unknown enemy.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Keeping a safe distance behind the villagers, the two boys followed the group to the castle, their progress slowing as the foliage grew more and more sparse the closer they got to the impressive structure. It was difficult going, but the two boys managed to make their way around to the back of the old fortress without being seen. Having played here for years, they knew of several secret entrances that led into the castle. Some had collapsed or been blocked up, but judging from the amount of dirt and cobwebs covering it, no one else had found this one.
Using only a flashlight to guide their way, they followed the rough-hewn steps down, before entering a short corridor that led to a series of steep, narrow, winding stairs that took them up into the castle. At the tunnel's end they emerged from the inside of an ancient wardrobe tucked into one of the smaller bedrooms. Moving silently, the boys cautiously made their way down to the dungeon. Even though they had never seen the villagers take anyone here before, the older boy reasoned it was the most logical place they would take them.
Unfortunately for them, the dungeon was a long way off from where they were but they were determined. Despite their caution, they still had a few close calls on the way, having to duck around corners and even slip directly behind one of the men to avoid being detected. Finally, they reached the dungeon and were relieved to see that none of the villagers had remained in the dank, oppressive room. The six captives had been locked in three cells and were speaking in a language that neither boy could understand. Judging from the tone of their voices, they could easily tell they weren't happy with their current predicament.
Squaring his shoulders, the tall, slender teen strode confidently into the center of the room, his little brother following close behind him. All talk stopped the moment he came into view and the teen could swear he saw a flicker of recognition in some of their eyes. Ignoring their reactions, he headed straight for the two men that had featured prominently in his dreams.
"¿Quién es usted (1)?"
"By the gods, not this again," Marik growled, rolling his eyes as he cast a spell. "That should speed things up," he muttered, ignoring the shocked look on both boy's faces.
"What did you do to us?" the teen demanded, gray eyes flashing warningly.
"Cast a language spell. Now you understand us and we understand you," the tomb builder explained, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "Now hurry up and ask your questions so we can get going Athene (2)."
((Athene? Who is that?)) Malik asked, confused by his yami's behavior.
((He is Athene. Or rather he was Athene and SHE was one of the Atlantean royal guard.))
Malik stared at the teen with wide eyes, ((Oh wow.))
Isis smiled softly at the boys. ((It seems we are meeting many old friends on this journey.))
Agreeing silently with her yami, Mai grinned at the youth. "What's your name now, kid?"
Bristling slightly at being called a kid, the teen's answer was a bit curt. "My name is Amelda and this is my brother Miruko."
The younger boy, who looked to be around Mokuba's age, nodded absently. Amelda noticed immediately and asked him what was wrong.
"Nothing's wrong, big brother. But isn't Athene the name you said people call you in your dreams?"
"It is," he answered before turning to address the prisoners. "What I don't understand is why I've seen all of you in my dreams, when this is the first time we've met."
"Are you sure about that?" Dartz asked, fixing the teen with a knowing stare. "What happens in these dreams of yours?"
Having never shared his dreams with anyone other than his brother, but strangely wanting to trust these people, Amelda found himself torn. Feeling a small hand squeeze his own, the teen looked down into his brother's smiling face.
"It's okay, big brother. I think we can trust them."
Smiling in return, the red head nodded and turned back to the prisoners. "In my dreams I'm a warrior from Atlantis. I died in Egypt while trying to stop some men from attacking the queen and the children that were hidden deep in the palace."
Moving to the front of his cell, Hanasaki extended a hand out in invitation and was delighted when Amelda hesitantly took it. "I know," he said, placing his other hand on top of Amelda's. "And I can never thank you enough. Without the sacrifices of you and your fellow knights, my daughter would have died that day."
Amelda stared at the small teen in shock, "What?" How did he know that Queen of Atlantis was male! And that he had a daughter!
The orange-haired teen gave him a sad smile, "Thanks to you, I was able to hide Chris safely in a pocket dimension in a state of suspended animation. I was on my way to do the same with the other children when I came across the bodies of you and your comrades." Looking away he gripped Amelda's hand tighter, "In my horror, I let my guard down and was slain by the same men who had killed you."
"Who are you?" Amelda breathed, staring at the other teen in shock.
A wry grin, "Me? I'm just Hanasaki Tomoya. Recent high school graduate and reincarnated Queen of Atlantis."
"Don't forget my beautiful light, you are also the mother of our daughter and the other half of my soul," Dartz added, smiling warmly at his mate, ignoring the gagging noises from Malik and Marik.
Reclaiming his hand, Amelda turned to face the former king, "And I suppose you're a reincarnation too?"
Dartz snorted, "Hardly. I spent the last three thousand years of my existence sealed in a mockery of the royal seal thanks to that damned sorcerer."
Stormy eyes narrowed, "How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"You don't," Dartz replied, snapping his fingers and making all their cell doors unlock and swing open. "But you'll never learn the truth about who you are if you don't trust us."
Both boys gaped in astonishment as the hikari and yami exited the now open cells. "Big brother? I think we should listen to them," Miruko said to the older boy, "They knew stuff from your dreams and you've never told anyone but me about them."
"Did he tell you he used to be a girl?" Marik asked, grinning at the boy.
Wide eyes stared at the yami in shock before the boy quickly turned to face his brother, "Were you really?'
Face burning with embarrassment, Amelda nodded sharply in confirmation.
Miruko looked thoughtful for a moment before finally stating, "Maybe that's why you like boys instead of girls then?"
Malik and Marik burst into silent hysterics while Amelda turned a shade of red that rivaled his hair.
"Perhaps we should go elsewhere to talk?" Isis asked suggested, catching both her brother and his light by the ear.
"That sounds like an excellent idea," Mai agreed smoothly, "Would you care to show us the way young man?"
Grinning from ear to ear, Miruko nodded and grabbing his brother's hand, lead them out of the dungeon.
Ever the protective brother, Amelda took his place before they reached the top of the steps, checking to make sure the coast was clear before motioning the others across the room.
Reaching the next door, the red-headed teen had barely cracked the door when it was flung wide open, revealing the men from the village. Nicholas at the head of the them.
"Amelda! Miruko! What are you doing?!"
Both boys froze in place, neither one knowing what they could say to explain this. Not giving them a chance, Nicholas plowed his meaty fist into the teen' stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending him to the floor.
"Big brother!" Miruko ran to his brother's side, only to get picked up by collar of his shirt.
"I should have known you brats would try something like this. Strays like you are always causing trouble," the big man growled, swinging his free arm to strike the child.
Closing his eyes in anticipation, Miruko waited for the blow to fall and when it didn't he cautiously opened one eye. To his surprise, Nicholas' fist was just inches away from his face, held tightly in the grip of the aqua-haired Atlantean king.
"It's one thing to strike someone old enough to defend themselves, but I will not stand by and watch you strike a child." Dartz growled, his gold eyes flashing dangerously. Behind him, Tomoya was helping Amelda back onto his feet, the pendant that once held Dartz prisoner falling out from under his shirt as he bent down to give him a hand.
Unable to free the hand in Dartz' grip, Nicholas dropped Miruko in order to strike at the darkness but instead felt a blinding pain to his jaw, just before he blacked out. During their conflict the other men had attempted to restrain the others only to find themselves bound by shadows and light.
"Now what's all this fuss about?" an old, creaky voice asked as the owner walked into the room. Carefully assessing the scene before him, the wizened old man took stock of the situation, his eyes going wide when he spotted Dartz. "It can't be!" he muttered, staring intently at the aqua-haired man for some time before turning his attention to Hanasaki. His jaw dropped when he saw the pendant hanging from the teen's neck: Even though the runes surrounding the circle were wrong, the elder immediately recognized the unicursal hexagram (2) used by the Atlantean royal house as their crest. It didn't take much for him to fit all the pieces together: Shadow and light magic, the Atlantean royal crest, and two men that were the living image of the ancient carvings of the last King and Queen of Atlantis . . .
"My lords, I am honored by your presence. Please forgive the young ones for their impertinence," he said bowing deeply to the former rulers.
"Rise elder, there is nothing to forgive," Dartz told him, helping the old man to his feet. "They were simply doing what they thought was right."
"And my husband has already dealt with the one who struck Amelda unprovoked," Hanasaki reassured the elder with a smile.
"Yeah, he even stopped him from hitting me! It was so cool!" Miruko piped up excitedly.
Glancing over at the unconscious man, the elder sighed resignedly, "That boy is always causing trouble." Shaking his head, he returned his attention to the Atlantean light and dark. "If my lords and your guests are willing, would you care to follow me? I have much to discuss with you and this is far a from comfortable place to be."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
After the elder made the captive villagers promise not to attack their guests, the entire group went downstairs to the dining hall. Once there the elder he sent some of the men off to take the still-unconscious Nicholas home, then gather the remaining elders and escort them to the castle. The others he sent to retrieve food and drink for their honored guests. When one of the men made to take Amelda and Miruko back to the village, Dartz halted them.
"My knight and his brother are more than welcome to stay with us."
"Your knight?" the elder asked curiously, gesturing for the brothers to join them at the table, "I always thought he bore a striking resemblance to Athene, but given the gender difference I could never be certain."
"Amelda is definitely Athene, " Hanasaki answered, "and if he likes, there's a friend of ours back home who could fully restore his memories."
"But . . would that make him different?" Miruko asked, worried he could lose his only family.
Tomoya shook his head and smiled warmly, "Not really. He would still be himself, still be Amelda. But he would have the memories and experience of his life as Athene to help him."
"Does it hurt?"
"Not at all. As a matter of fact, I had it done myself a few months ago as did several of my friends, including the blonde lady over there," Hanasaki reassured the boy, gesturing in Mai's direction.
"Okay." he said impulsively hugging his brother around his waist, "You can get your memories back if you want them, big brother."
Amelda stared at this little brother in surprise, "I'll-I'll think about it Miruko."
Thankfully for the teen, the food was brought in at that moment and he was spared any further embarrassment as the group settled in for a light dinner. By the time they had finished eating, the rest of the elders had arrived and it was time to talk. Introductions were made and Dartz explained what they were looking for and why they were searching for it now.
"It is as we suspected," the lead elder stated. "According to the ancient writings, when Atlantis vanished, they left clues to their next location in hopes that one day you would return. They charged our ancestors with the important task of keeping this secret from all but you and others of your kind."
"Others? You mean there are more of us still out there?" Malik was both shocked and hopeful at the prospect of meeting more of their kind.
"Not reincarnations young man, but yes, lights and darks are still being born all around the world. The same goes for the mages, anthros, and shifters. Most have gone into hiding, both amongst humans or at Atlantis."
One of the old women spoke now, "It is said that all the lights and darks from this area of the world, fled to Atlantis before it vanished, seeking sanctuary from the sorcerer and his growing army of followers."
"Over time, the sorcerer's cult faltered in power, but they never completely went away. So for centuries we have kept the secrets and clues pertaining to Atlantis hidden from prying eyes," another man spoke proudly. "No archaeologists or even the British army during the second world war, managed to find the secret tunnels and caves."
"Recently though, the remaining cultists we've been watching have grown active once again. They've been recruiting and making strange pilgrimages from which they seem quite animated upon their return."
"One of our spies reported hearing rumors of an important figure's return, but he has been unable to confirm this."
"Someone has," Marik growled. "During the last attack on our hikari, the men responsible were using ancient magic that possessed the same dark signature the sorcerer's magic had."
"That is why it is imperative that we find Atlantis as soon as possible," Dartz told the elders. "There are many items there that would be of great use to us and perhaps those living there would be willing to assist us. In this new day and age, where we now must hide amongst humans instead of living alongside them, we will need all the allies we can get."
"We understand my lords, and we shall help you in any way that we can."
"Tomorrow, after you have all gotten a good night's sleep, we shall escort you to the secret caves."
Hanasaki gave the elderly man a sincere smile. "Thank you, your help is most appreciated."
-
October 21, 2010
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
1 - Who are you? (Spanish) It should be European Spanish, but the translator didn't specify so I can't be sure. If it's wrong, please let me know and I'll fix it. Technically it should be Llanito, a local mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, but I couldn't find a translator for that.
2 - Athene variant of Athena (Greek) So why did I make Amelda's past life a girl? Truthfully, I got the idea when I was researching the meanings behind each of the Doom Knights names. Turns out that Amelda is a girl's name. Heh.
3 - A hexagram that can be drawn unicursally, in one continuous line rather than two overlaid triangles. The hexagram can also be depicted in a circle with all points touching it. (This is the true name of the symbol used in the The Seal of Orichalcos. I kid you not. Go look it up.)
Part: 12/??
Author: Murasaki Rose
Beta: none
Genre: Romance/Fantasy/AU
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Yami Yuugi's real name
Warnings: Yaoi (male x male), implied Mpreg
Pairings: YYxY, SxJxS, DxT, YBxR, YMxM
Minor Pairings: BMGxA, BMxK, TxCxH, HxO, PxC, IxM
Disclaimer: Here we go. Yu-Gi-Oh and all its characters are the property of Kazuki Takahashi, Shueisha, Konami, Toei, and unfortunately, 4 Kids Entertainment. In other words, I don't own them and I'm not making any money off of this, I'm just a fangirl having some fun.
A/N: "text" = speech, 'text' = thought, ((text)) = telepathy
Summary: Sequel to Retrieving Destiny. Months after their fateful trip to Egypt, the reunited soul mates continue to adjust to their new life in Domino as well as the modern teens' impending graduation. Things appear to be going well until a strange series of seemingly random attacks and bizarre accidents begin plaguing both the lights and their protectors, forcing their lovers into action. In order to protect their mates, the ancient beings must now determine not only the fate of the "lost" city of Atlantis, but also their entire species! The race is on to find the answers before they all face annihilation at the hands of an unknown enemy.
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
Keeping a safe distance behind the villagers, the two boys followed the group to the castle, their progress slowing as the foliage grew more and more sparse the closer they got to the impressive structure. It was difficult going, but the two boys managed to make their way around to the back of the old fortress without being seen. Having played here for years, they knew of several secret entrances that led into the castle. Some had collapsed or been blocked up, but judging from the amount of dirt and cobwebs covering it, no one else had found this one.
Using only a flashlight to guide their way, they followed the rough-hewn steps down, before entering a short corridor that led to a series of steep, narrow, winding stairs that took them up into the castle. At the tunnel's end they emerged from the inside of an ancient wardrobe tucked into one of the smaller bedrooms. Moving silently, the boys cautiously made their way down to the dungeon. Even though they had never seen the villagers take anyone here before, the older boy reasoned it was the most logical place they would take them.
Unfortunately for them, the dungeon was a long way off from where they were but they were determined. Despite their caution, they still had a few close calls on the way, having to duck around corners and even slip directly behind one of the men to avoid being detected. Finally, they reached the dungeon and were relieved to see that none of the villagers had remained in the dank, oppressive room. The six captives had been locked in three cells and were speaking in a language that neither boy could understand. Judging from the tone of their voices, they could easily tell they weren't happy with their current predicament.
Squaring his shoulders, the tall, slender teen strode confidently into the center of the room, his little brother following close behind him. All talk stopped the moment he came into view and the teen could swear he saw a flicker of recognition in some of their eyes. Ignoring their reactions, he headed straight for the two men that had featured prominently in his dreams.
"¿Quién es usted (1)?"
"By the gods, not this again," Marik growled, rolling his eyes as he cast a spell. "That should speed things up," he muttered, ignoring the shocked look on both boy's faces.
"What did you do to us?" the teen demanded, gray eyes flashing warningly.
"Cast a language spell. Now you understand us and we understand you," the tomb builder explained, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "Now hurry up and ask your questions so we can get going Athene (2)."
((Athene? Who is that?)) Malik asked, confused by his yami's behavior.
((He is Athene. Or rather he was Athene and SHE was one of the Atlantean royal guard.))
Malik stared at the teen with wide eyes, ((Oh wow.))
Isis smiled softly at the boys. ((It seems we are meeting many old friends on this journey.))
Agreeing silently with her yami, Mai grinned at the youth. "What's your name now, kid?"
Bristling slightly at being called a kid, the teen's answer was a bit curt. "My name is Amelda and this is my brother Miruko."
The younger boy, who looked to be around Mokuba's age, nodded absently. Amelda noticed immediately and asked him what was wrong.
"Nothing's wrong, big brother. But isn't Athene the name you said people call you in your dreams?"
"It is," he answered before turning to address the prisoners. "What I don't understand is why I've seen all of you in my dreams, when this is the first time we've met."
"Are you sure about that?" Dartz asked, fixing the teen with a knowing stare. "What happens in these dreams of yours?"
Having never shared his dreams with anyone other than his brother, but strangely wanting to trust these people, Amelda found himself torn. Feeling a small hand squeeze his own, the teen looked down into his brother's smiling face.
"It's okay, big brother. I think we can trust them."
Smiling in return, the red head nodded and turned back to the prisoners. "In my dreams I'm a warrior from Atlantis. I died in Egypt while trying to stop some men from attacking the queen and the children that were hidden deep in the palace."
Moving to the front of his cell, Hanasaki extended a hand out in invitation and was delighted when Amelda hesitantly took it. "I know," he said, placing his other hand on top of Amelda's. "And I can never thank you enough. Without the sacrifices of you and your fellow knights, my daughter would have died that day."
Amelda stared at the small teen in shock, "What?" How did he know that Queen of Atlantis was male! And that he had a daughter!
The orange-haired teen gave him a sad smile, "Thanks to you, I was able to hide Chris safely in a pocket dimension in a state of suspended animation. I was on my way to do the same with the other children when I came across the bodies of you and your comrades." Looking away he gripped Amelda's hand tighter, "In my horror, I let my guard down and was slain by the same men who had killed you."
"Who are you?" Amelda breathed, staring at the other teen in shock.
A wry grin, "Me? I'm just Hanasaki Tomoya. Recent high school graduate and reincarnated Queen of Atlantis."
"Don't forget my beautiful light, you are also the mother of our daughter and the other half of my soul," Dartz added, smiling warmly at his mate, ignoring the gagging noises from Malik and Marik.
Reclaiming his hand, Amelda turned to face the former king, "And I suppose you're a reincarnation too?"
Dartz snorted, "Hardly. I spent the last three thousand years of my existence sealed in a mockery of the royal seal thanks to that damned sorcerer."
Stormy eyes narrowed, "How do I know you're telling the truth?"
"You don't," Dartz replied, snapping his fingers and making all their cell doors unlock and swing open. "But you'll never learn the truth about who you are if you don't trust us."
Both boys gaped in astonishment as the hikari and yami exited the now open cells. "Big brother? I think we should listen to them," Miruko said to the older boy, "They knew stuff from your dreams and you've never told anyone but me about them."
"Did he tell you he used to be a girl?" Marik asked, grinning at the boy.
Wide eyes stared at the yami in shock before the boy quickly turned to face his brother, "Were you really?'
Face burning with embarrassment, Amelda nodded sharply in confirmation.
Miruko looked thoughtful for a moment before finally stating, "Maybe that's why you like boys instead of girls then?"
Malik and Marik burst into silent hysterics while Amelda turned a shade of red that rivaled his hair.
"Perhaps we should go elsewhere to talk?" Isis asked suggested, catching both her brother and his light by the ear.
"That sounds like an excellent idea," Mai agreed smoothly, "Would you care to show us the way young man?"
Grinning from ear to ear, Miruko nodded and grabbing his brother's hand, lead them out of the dungeon.
Ever the protective brother, Amelda took his place before they reached the top of the steps, checking to make sure the coast was clear before motioning the others across the room.
Reaching the next door, the red-headed teen had barely cracked the door when it was flung wide open, revealing the men from the village. Nicholas at the head of the them.
"Amelda! Miruko! What are you doing?!"
Both boys froze in place, neither one knowing what they could say to explain this. Not giving them a chance, Nicholas plowed his meaty fist into the teen' stomach, knocking the wind out of him and sending him to the floor.
"Big brother!" Miruko ran to his brother's side, only to get picked up by collar of his shirt.
"I should have known you brats would try something like this. Strays like you are always causing trouble," the big man growled, swinging his free arm to strike the child.
Closing his eyes in anticipation, Miruko waited for the blow to fall and when it didn't he cautiously opened one eye. To his surprise, Nicholas' fist was just inches away from his face, held tightly in the grip of the aqua-haired Atlantean king.
"It's one thing to strike someone old enough to defend themselves, but I will not stand by and watch you strike a child." Dartz growled, his gold eyes flashing dangerously. Behind him, Tomoya was helping Amelda back onto his feet, the pendant that once held Dartz prisoner falling out from under his shirt as he bent down to give him a hand.
Unable to free the hand in Dartz' grip, Nicholas dropped Miruko in order to strike at the darkness but instead felt a blinding pain to his jaw, just before he blacked out. During their conflict the other men had attempted to restrain the others only to find themselves bound by shadows and light.
"Now what's all this fuss about?" an old, creaky voice asked as the owner walked into the room. Carefully assessing the scene before him, the wizened old man took stock of the situation, his eyes going wide when he spotted Dartz. "It can't be!" he muttered, staring intently at the aqua-haired man for some time before turning his attention to Hanasaki. His jaw dropped when he saw the pendant hanging from the teen's neck: Even though the runes surrounding the circle were wrong, the elder immediately recognized the unicursal hexagram (2) used by the Atlantean royal house as their crest. It didn't take much for him to fit all the pieces together: Shadow and light magic, the Atlantean royal crest, and two men that were the living image of the ancient carvings of the last King and Queen of Atlantis . . .
"My lords, I am honored by your presence. Please forgive the young ones for their impertinence," he said bowing deeply to the former rulers.
"Rise elder, there is nothing to forgive," Dartz told him, helping the old man to his feet. "They were simply doing what they thought was right."
"And my husband has already dealt with the one who struck Amelda unprovoked," Hanasaki reassured the elder with a smile.
"Yeah, he even stopped him from hitting me! It was so cool!" Miruko piped up excitedly.
Glancing over at the unconscious man, the elder sighed resignedly, "That boy is always causing trouble." Shaking his head, he returned his attention to the Atlantean light and dark. "If my lords and your guests are willing, would you care to follow me? I have much to discuss with you and this is far a from comfortable place to be."
x-x-x-x-x-x-x
After the elder made the captive villagers promise not to attack their guests, the entire group went downstairs to the dining hall. Once there the elder he sent some of the men off to take the still-unconscious Nicholas home, then gather the remaining elders and escort them to the castle. The others he sent to retrieve food and drink for their honored guests. When one of the men made to take Amelda and Miruko back to the village, Dartz halted them.
"My knight and his brother are more than welcome to stay with us."
"Your knight?" the elder asked curiously, gesturing for the brothers to join them at the table, "I always thought he bore a striking resemblance to Athene, but given the gender difference I could never be certain."
"Amelda is definitely Athene, " Hanasaki answered, "and if he likes, there's a friend of ours back home who could fully restore his memories."
"But . . would that make him different?" Miruko asked, worried he could lose his only family.
Tomoya shook his head and smiled warmly, "Not really. He would still be himself, still be Amelda. But he would have the memories and experience of his life as Athene to help him."
"Does it hurt?"
"Not at all. As a matter of fact, I had it done myself a few months ago as did several of my friends, including the blonde lady over there," Hanasaki reassured the boy, gesturing in Mai's direction.
"Okay." he said impulsively hugging his brother around his waist, "You can get your memories back if you want them, big brother."
Amelda stared at this little brother in surprise, "I'll-I'll think about it Miruko."
Thankfully for the teen, the food was brought in at that moment and he was spared any further embarrassment as the group settled in for a light dinner. By the time they had finished eating, the rest of the elders had arrived and it was time to talk. Introductions were made and Dartz explained what they were looking for and why they were searching for it now.
"It is as we suspected," the lead elder stated. "According to the ancient writings, when Atlantis vanished, they left clues to their next location in hopes that one day you would return. They charged our ancestors with the important task of keeping this secret from all but you and others of your kind."
"Others? You mean there are more of us still out there?" Malik was both shocked and hopeful at the prospect of meeting more of their kind.
"Not reincarnations young man, but yes, lights and darks are still being born all around the world. The same goes for the mages, anthros, and shifters. Most have gone into hiding, both amongst humans or at Atlantis."
One of the old women spoke now, "It is said that all the lights and darks from this area of the world, fled to Atlantis before it vanished, seeking sanctuary from the sorcerer and his growing army of followers."
"Over time, the sorcerer's cult faltered in power, but they never completely went away. So for centuries we have kept the secrets and clues pertaining to Atlantis hidden from prying eyes," another man spoke proudly. "No archaeologists or even the British army during the second world war, managed to find the secret tunnels and caves."
"Recently though, the remaining cultists we've been watching have grown active once again. They've been recruiting and making strange pilgrimages from which they seem quite animated upon their return."
"One of our spies reported hearing rumors of an important figure's return, but he has been unable to confirm this."
"Someone has," Marik growled. "During the last attack on our hikari, the men responsible were using ancient magic that possessed the same dark signature the sorcerer's magic had."
"That is why it is imperative that we find Atlantis as soon as possible," Dartz told the elders. "There are many items there that would be of great use to us and perhaps those living there would be willing to assist us. In this new day and age, where we now must hide amongst humans instead of living alongside them, we will need all the allies we can get."
"We understand my lords, and we shall help you in any way that we can."
"Tomorrow, after you have all gotten a good night's sleep, we shall escort you to the secret caves."
Hanasaki gave the elderly man a sincere smile. "Thank you, your help is most appreciated."
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October 21, 2010
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
1 - Who are you? (Spanish) It should be European Spanish, but the translator didn't specify so I can't be sure. If it's wrong, please let me know and I'll fix it. Technically it should be Llanito, a local mix of Andalusian Spanish and British English, but I couldn't find a translator for that.
2 - Athene variant of Athena (Greek) So why did I make Amelda's past life a girl? Truthfully, I got the idea when I was researching the meanings behind each of the Doom Knights names. Turns out that Amelda is a girl's name. Heh.
3 - A hexagram that can be drawn unicursally, in one continuous line rather than two overlaid triangles. The hexagram can also be depicted in a circle with all points touching it. (This is the true name of the symbol used in the The Seal of Orichalcos. I kid you not. Go look it up.)