Yu-Gi-Oh! Fan Fiction ❯ Restrictions Unlimited ❯ Chapter 5: Dancing and Sorrow ( Chapter 6 )

Chapter 5: Dancing and Sorrow

Niaka was in the temple court, looking at a notice on the table, left by the high priestess. The notice contained information about a gathering for priests and priestesses of all the temples. It was to be held at the palace court that night. Niaka knew there was more to it than what the eye saw. She was sure that it was just a set-up to get her with the Pharaoh for an evening. Every priestess was talking about the High priest Seto and who would get the chance to dance with him. Apparently, he was the heart-throb of the temples, and danced terrifically well. The only person who could dance better than him was the Pharaoh himself, and no-one dared dream that he would dance with any of them. The High priest was the closest they could get to dance with a God. Niaka couldn't care less about him. She knew that she could dance very well, and it was a rumour that the Pharaoh and the High priest would only dance with the best dancers. She turned away from the table and came face to face with Eama.

"I suppose you're going then." She asked nastily.

"Going to what?" Niaka replied.

"The gathering, stupid. I don't know why she promoted you, Niaka. You're as stupid as ever."

"Are you going then, Eama?"

"Yes, I am. And I don't want you around me while I try to dance with either Seto, or the Pharaoh. You'll just mess things up. Got that?"

"Don't worry, I don't to be around you anywhere, and the gathering is no exception. Good luck trying to get a dance."' With that Niaka left Eama smouldering with rage and entered her chamber.

She changed, brushed her hair and decorated herself with ornamental jewellery. She didn't bother colouring herself with red ochre, as she thought it just made you look inflamed. She looked at her reflection in the mirror one last time, then left for the palace court.

The palace court was crowded with people from other temples. She saw people from the temples of Bes, Thoth and Anubis. She also saw a gaggle of priestesses, all of whom were looking at the High priest Seto, who looked as if he couldn't be bothered. She looked for Yami, but he was nowhere to be seen. She saw several friends and waved to them.

Suddenly an oboe started to play, and it was joined by a tambourine and other instruments. One or two people started to dance, and were followed by several more. The Pharaoh entered, and all music stopped. Yami looked round and smiled.

"Carry on!" he said.

The music started again, with a will, and a very brave girl asked him if he would dance. He acknowledged her and led her away to the dancing area. Niaka saw Eama plead with the High priest, but he seemed not to notice her. He was too busy, searching for a more desirable priestess. Eventually he stood up, sent Eama away, and walked towards Niaka.

"Would you mind?" he asked her quietly.

"Mind dancing with you? Why would I want to do that?" she replied, just as quietly.

"To do a favour for me. I'd like to get those priestesses off my back, so would you do that for me?"

Niaka sighed and nodded. Seto led her to the dancing area and began. Niaka found out why he reputed to be the second best dancer in the whole of Egypt. He was flawless. Every now and then, Niaka would catch a glimpse of the Pharaoh, dancing with Anzu. He looked a bit bored with her and kept looking back at Niaka. The dance ended and Seto led her away from the dance area.

"I didn't know that priestesses could dance well. You've changed that opinion Niaka. Hopefully, the other priestesses will get off my back. Thankyou." With that, he moved away and left the court. All the other priestesses that were in awe of him sighed. It was a well known fact that Seto only danced one dance in an entire evening. They all wanted him to dance with them. He never did.

Niaka watched him go and sighed with relief. Now she wouldn't have to avoid him for the rest of the evening.

The evening passed and the stars began to show themselves outside. She was asked by several people to dance, and she had delighted them with her skill. Then, a young man asked her to dance with him. He seemed confident, cocky and something else she couldn't quite place. As he led her to the dance area, she noticed several other people look at her in an inexplicable way. As she danced, she noted his skill, but it was only when she noticed his tattoo that she realised who he was.

"Bakura?" she asked in complete astonishment. She had known Bakura since she was little. He had always been more of himself when she was around, as though he was trying to impress her. The dance ended and Bakura led her away from everything in the hall and into the Pharaoh's garden. He stopped in a little alcove, turned around and smirked.

"My, my, Niaka, haven't we changed in a few short years."

"What are you getting at Bakura?"

"Aren't I allowed to compliment someone on how they look? To business though," he dragged her towards him by her waist, "I've been watching you, ever since you were a little kid, when I had my eye set on you. I need to know though. What happened with Mari? Tell me girl!" He shook her hard. Niaka brushed him off.

"She tried to kill the Pharaoh, failed then killed herself. What else do you want?"

His eyes told her more than she wanted to know.

"I want you, Niaka. I`ve always wanted you, since we were children. You know what I want, so prepare to be sent to the shadow realm, if you don't give me what I want now!"

"Bakura! Get a hold on yourself! I will never give you what you want, so give it a rest. Just leave me alone, so I can get on with my life." Niaka pushed him away by the shoulders, avoiding his harsh reprimand (a blow on the face) and went back to the party. Bakura scowled. He knew he would have to fight for what he wanted, and he knew that would not be easy. Niaka returned to the hall and put Bakura out of her mind.

Yami still hadn't asked her to dance. Niaka was a bit surprised and she wondered what was going on. Then she saw the problem. Anzu wouldn't let Yami out of her sight. Every time he moved away, she headed him off. Niaka knew it was up to her. She put down her cup, gulped and made her way over to the Pharaoh.

"Excuse me Pharaoh," she said quietly, "But would you dance with me?"

Yami sighed with relief.

"Yes, priestess, I would be delighted to." He led her away to the dance area, leaving Anzu scowling back in the crowds.

Niaka knew from the start that Yami deserved his reputation. She thought Seto was flawless. He seemed like a novice compared to the Pharaoh. Yami was pleased with Niaka's skill. He put all his skills to the limit and she matched him pace for pace, step for step. The dance ended, and Niaka started to lead him towards Anzu.

"Why are you leading me over there Niaka?"

"I assumed that you wanted to return to her `tender' care." she replied.

"Well, to be honest, I don't. Would you like another dance?" He raised an eyebrow. Niaka smiled broadly, her teeth even and bright.

"Yes Pharaoh, I would."

Yami smiled in return and led her back to the dance area. They didn't return to the crowds all night.

Seto watched the Pharaoh from a hidden niche in the wall. He could see the obvious pleasure that the Pharaoh was enjoying and it convinced him that Yami had known her before he had dragged Niaka up in front of the court.

The last note of the last dance ended and the partners were saying their goodbyes.

"Thank-you Niaka. I had no idea you were so good at dancing. How come you didn't tell me?"

"You never asked, but I'm flattered you think so. You deserve your reputation." Niaka smiled.

"Thankyou. Can I ask you something in private?" Yami was sounding urgent.

"Um, sure, I guess." Niaka replied. Yami led her out and into the palace gardens, where they had first met.

"Niaka, I have thought about you every night since we met. I think about you, want you, even dream about you. Please, relieve my thoughts and put them to rest."

"I don't get what you're saying Yami."

"Niaka, I need you. I have fallen in love with you. Please, come with me to my room. I am pleading with you."

Niaka. walked back a few paces. She had heard about his `adventures' with Anzu, but he had quickly tired of her, even though he wouldn't admit it to her face.

"Yami, I'm flattered, but you know the temple regulations. I'm a priestess, you are a Pharaoh. We are not to go together. It is decreed by Law! Besides, I'm not sure I'm ready. Priestesses are not supposed to lose their virginity, whoever it is to. I don't want to say goodbye to it. Ever."

Yami looked crest-fallen. He had hoped for her to say `yes'. He was visibly saddened.

"Niaka. I love you enough to appease your wishes. But I will ask once more. Please," he walked up to her and looked her in the eyes. He was centimetres away from her, "Please. Share my bed tonight. I will do anything for you. Please. I need help. Only you can save me from this. Please."

Niaka was about to say `no.' once again, but before she could answer, Yami had devoured her lips in a kiss, so unlike the others, that it was frightening. He held her tight, so tight, she was spinning, her eyes were closed and her thoughts draining away with each passing second. He was the only thing that filled her mind. That was all.

After minutes had passed in that fashion, Yami let go of her and released her from his grip. She was flushed and unconscious from lack of air. Yami shook her awake and gazed at her with rapt concern.

"Are you alright Niaka?"

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry, but the answer to your question is no. I will not throw myself into your power, just to gain a bit of pleasure. I will never stoop that low."

Yami released her.

"Well then, Niaka. I'm sorry for any inconveniences I caused on you part. I hope you will forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive, Yami."

"Goodbye then, Niaka, priestess of my heart."

"Goodbye, Yami. Pharaoh of my soul."

He watched her walk away and a tear slipped down his cheek. As she walked, Niaka was crying silent tears. She had hoped that he would keep seeing her in the garden like he often wanted, not the cold withdrawal that he did. She walked back to the palace, and out into the open. She sat down on a bench where no-one could see her, and wept.