Ahmose Inarus

Ahmose Inarus

Hato chiisai

Shonen-ai

Disclaimer: I own Ahmose. That’s all. Nothing else.

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Chapter 14

Capture of the Tomb Robbers

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Ahmose sat quietly in his bed, diligently reading a scroll that was laid out across his lap by the light of a single floor lamp that he had moved next to his bed. The nineteen year old sorcerer yawned and his eyes drooped closed. With a groan, he flopped back again the pillows and laid one arm across his eyes, sighing heavily. The last year had been a complete nightmare. One would think that things would be easier now that Sethos, Wosret and the other traitors were gone, but then Mariku and Akeifa had to make off with the Millennium Rod and Ring. And life had become one fiasco after another. But Ahmose was determined to stop those thieves and so was planning a trap for them. But it was time and energy consuming. He had to get a good night's sleep or Yugioh would start to nag…. And nag…. And nag…. Ahmose felt himself drifting to sleep. He tried to stay awake, he still had work to do, but he just couldn’t find the strength to move, or…. Open his eyes, or……..or………..

His bed shifted and his mind snapped awake. Someone was in his room… on his bed… he could hear breathing. He did not feel a subtle pulse of Shadow Magic; it was not Yugioh. He jerked his arm from his eyes and they flashed open. Immediately there was a harsh hand over his mouth and another held a blade to his throat. Sapphire glared into gold and Ahmose’s heart nearly stopped in his chest. Sethos grinned down at Ahmose.

“Shhhhhh……” Sethos hissed, tickling the sorcerer’s neck with the knife in his hand. “You will co-operate or I will slit your throat. And then I will do the same to your precious Pharaoh.” Ahmose swallowed and forced himself to relax, giving Sethos a small nod. “Good boy. Remove your sash.” Sethos commanded, and slowly Ahmose obeyed, removing the long bolt of purple fabric from his waist. “Knot it in the middle.” Sethos ordered, and Ahmose did as he was told. “Now… I will remove my hand and you will gag yourself.” Ahmose’s eye twitched in anger and irritation, but he nodded. Slowly, Sethos removed his hand and watched Ahmose take the knot into his mouth and wrap the sash around his head, tying it off tightly in the back.

“Now… cross your wrists over your chest.” Sethos ordered, and when Ahmose obeyed he removed his own sash and bound the sorcerer’s wrists tightly together. Then he sat straddling Ahmose’s hips and leaned on his arms, his hands braced on the bed on either side of Ahmose’s head.

“You’re pathetic.” Sethos spat, and Ahmose narrowed his eyes and glared. “I can easily see how you got yourself gang raped.” Ahmose winced. “You won’t even TRY to defend yourself! How are you supposed to protect Atemu if you can’t even protect yourself? You’re a disgrace to your title, your rank, your Temple, AND your King! You disgrace all of Egypt!” Ahmose glared at Sethos, eyes burning in anger. “And I will make your disgrace final! You will die here, used and worthless, an utter failure!” And he brought the back of his hand across Ahmose’s face, whipping his head to the side. Then he gripped Ahmose’s shoulder and flung him over onto his chest, ripping his pants from his body. Ahmose’s eyes flew open in horror and he began to thrash and struggle.

“HNNH!!” He cried through the gag, turning his head and staring in fear at Sethos over his shoulder. Sethos scoffed at him, forcing his legs apart and settling between them, hanging over the younger man.

“You were supposed to be powerful and fearless, Ahmose Inarus. And yet you shake like a colt left motherless in a storm! You are afraid of me!!” Ahmose closed his eyes tightly, turning away from Sethos who snorted. “Fine. Die the death of a coward.” Ahmose winced as Sethos seized a handful of his hair and jerked his head up and back, reaching around the pressing the blade of the knife to his exposed throat. “I’ll let you bleed to death…” Sethos hissed. “And you’ll die feeling me use your body to quench my own desire!” And he quickly drew the blade across Ahmose’s throat, cutting it open.

“NYAAAH!!!” Ahmose screamed, bolting upright in bed, eyes wide in panic. Chest heaving and covered in sweat he looked about the dark room, his pulse pounding in his ears. His room was empty and the lamp had gone out, but the scroll still lay on his lap. His pants still covered his body and his sash was still wrapped around his waist… and Sethos was nowhere in sight. Slowly, Ahmose let his head fall forwards and his body relaxed. It was a dream. But he was still sweating and shaking badly.

Quickly, he got out of bed and stumbled to the other side of the room. He shoved a bookcase aside and fled up the secret passage to Yugioh’s bed chamber. He emerged from behind the curtain, stumbling into the large planter that stood before it and knocking it over. It shattered loudly and the Pharaoh jumped awake in bed, sitting up and brandishing a dagger.

“Ahmose?” Yugioh gasped as Ahmose ran across the room and leapt onto his bed, crawling over to him. The Pharaoh dropped the dagger as Ahmose hid his face in his shoulder and clung tightly to him, shaking violently. Yugioh’s eyes widened.

“Ahmose, what in Ra’s name..?!” He asked, wrapping arms around the sorcerer and holding him. “Another nightmare?” Ahmose nodded. “Was it... Sethos again?” A pause, and then another nod. Yugioh sighed and smiled, stroking Ahmose’s hair. “Shhhh…. It’s okay. It was a dream. You’re fine.”

“I… I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Lie down and rest, hmm?” Yugioh said, laying back and watching Ahmose rest beside him. “You never had nightmares as a child… why now?”

“… I… I don’t know…” Ahmose whispered, still shaking. “What if… what if my dreams are warning me?”

“Sethos is gone. He will not return, Ahmose. It’s okay. Sleep.” Yugioh said, and Ahmose nodded. He sighed and relaxed as he felt the Pharaoh’s fingers entwine with his own, and closed his eyes.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ahmose sat before a fire, staring hard at it. Yugioh was sitting on his bed, looking over reports that his overseers had given him for the month. He frowned as he read of the increased crime rate in one town that was already full of criminal activity. He casually glanced up at Ahmose, but looked back down again; the sorcerer had not moved since the last time he had checked, fifteen minutes before. But suddenly, Ahmose cursed and stood. Yugioh blinked.

“What is it? What did you see?” He asked, knowing that Ahmose had been fire gazing.

“Ishtar and Itemri. They are going to strike again.”

“No surprise there.” Yugioh snorted, frowning.

“Yes. But this time, I know where.” Ahmose replied.

“You do?!” Yugioh gasped, and Ahmose nodded.

“Excuse me, Yugi. I must meet with someone.”

“Not without me!” Yugioh cried, excitedly leaping from his bed. Ahmose blinked, then nodded.

“As you wish, my lord.” He said, then led the way from the Pharaoh’s chambers.

A few minutes later the pair along with a few guards rode out of the palace grounds. Ahmose led the way, and they ended up before the Elegant residence of a noble. Yugioh frowned.

“Why are we here?” He asked.

“Lord Hemaka is ill.” The sorcerer replied. “He is on his death bed. And I must speak with him.” And he dismounted and moved to the front door where a servant emerged. “I must speak with Lord Hemaka.” He said.

“Master Hemaka is ill, my Lord.” The boy said, bowing.

“I am aware of this.” Ahmose said. “But it is of extreme importance. Tell him that Lord Inarus is here to see him on an urgent matter.”

“Yes Lord Inarus.” The boy said. “Please come in and wait.” Ahmose bowed slightly and did so, Yugioh entering behind him. They waited as the boy left, but he soon returned and beckoned to them to follow. They did. When the entered the dim room, an old man turned to watch them enter.

“Lord Inarus…” He acknowledged in a raspy voice, and Ahmose bowed, lowering his hood. Yugioh lowered his as well, and the man’s eyes widened. “My Lord, Pharaoh Atemu.” He gasped, trying to sit up and show the proper respect.

“No! No, do not strain yourself!” Yugioh gasped, moving over to him quickly, and helped him lay back again. “Rest, lord Hemaka.” He said, smiling.

“What may I do to serve my Pharaoh?”

“Uhh… nothing. I just insisted that Ahmose let me tag along when he came to see you!” Yugioh admitted with a sheepish grin. The man blinked then grinned and gave a weak chuckle that turned into a wracking cough. Yugioh winced and looked back at Ahmose, who moved forwards.

“Lord Hemaka… I have a favor to ask of you.”

“Speak, Lord Inarus.”

“I have foreseen your death.” Ahmose said. The old man blinked, then drew a slow breath and nodded.

“I see… I know it is not far. How long do I have?”

“I am afraid that the next sunrise will be your last. But your passing will be easy. You will go in sleep and there will be no pain.”

“A comforting thought.” The man said with a nod.

“I must ask something of you.” Ahmose said.

“Speak.”

“I have foreseen that Mariku Ishtar and Akeifa Itemri will attempt to rob your tomb.” The man’s eyes widened. “I ask your permission to not try and stop them from doing so, but to use your tomb to set a trap for their capture.” The old man stared at Ahmose, then looked away, thinking. Ahmose sat back, patiently waiting for the man’s answer.

“Lord Inarus… It would be a great honor if I could, in some way, aid in their capture. I give my blessings for you to use my tomb to lure them into a trap.” Ahmose smiled and stood, bowing.

“My deepest thanks, Lord Hemaka. I swear to you, I will not fail.” The young sorcerer said. The elderly noble smiled and nodded. “If there is anything that I can do for you, or your family…”

“There is.” The man said, quickly, and Ahmose nodded. “My wife… she has a son. But… I fathered a daughter, Kiya, with one of the female servants, Iras. My wife hates them, and would have thrown them out if it were not for my orders. But when I die, there will be nothing to stop her from casting them into the streets. Protect Iras and Kiya. I wish for them to inherit half of my estate. Please make sure that they receive their inheritance, for my wife, as much as I love her, is a greedy woman, and will defy my wishes and refuse to turn over their inheritance…”

“I will see to it personally.” Ahmose said with a nod.

“As will I.” Yugioh replied. “We cannot stop your wife from throwing them out, but we can make sure that they have somewhere to go. If needed, I will take them into the palace until a permanent place of residence can be found.” The dying man gave a broad smile of relief.

“Thank you.” He said, and both young men returned the smile and nodded.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ahmose sighed as he stood in the entrance of the tomb. Lord Hemaka had just been buried, and now, it was time to set the trap. He moved through the tomb until he reached a large room. He looked around, then sat down on the stone floor and closed his eyes. He gathered his thoughts and his energy then began a chant. All was quiet for a bit, but then a wind began to swirl through the tomb. Ahmose’s brow furrowed, and glowing green lines on the floor began to spread out form where he sat, making a large ring on the floor with intricate designs. It glowed brighter and brighter and brighter, and then vanished. Ahmose opened his eyes and smirked, getting to his feet and brushing himself off.

Then he turned and swept out of the tomb, which was sealed behind him. He mounted his stallion and left the sight to return to the city where Hemaka’s wife needed to be dealt with. And an hour later he entered the throne room where Yugioh stood and smiled in greeting. Tris nodded to Ahmose before leaving the Pharaoh’s side, letting Ahmose take his position.

“Lord Hemaka was right about his wife…” Yugioh mumbled, and Ahmose nodded. Yugioh looked up and motioned for the women to enter. A richly dressed woman entered, a haughty air around her, and was followed by a humble woman of the servant status. They both stopped before the throne, the rich woman bowing slightly, the servant kneeling. Yugioh glanced at Ahmose.

“Here we go…” He mumbled, and Ahmose smiled slightly.

“My Lord Pharaoh,” The rich woman said. “I come before you to end the deception of this woman, here!” She pointed at the servant. “She refuses to leave my home, and insists that my dead husband promised her half of MY inheritance!!!”

“I am aware of all this.” Yugioh said. “I spoke with your husband the night before he passed to the next world. And he asked me to do a favor for him. He told me of you, his wife, and your son together. But he also told me of the servant, Iras, and the daughter he fathered with her, Kiya. And he told me that he wished for half of what he owned to go to them.” The rich woman’s face twisted into a look of horror, and the servant’s into relief and gratefulness.

“He did not leave a written will! I will not turn over half of MY property to that whore! And she will not remain under the roof of MY home!” She screamed. Yugioh frowned and stood.

“I am Pharaoh! And my word is law!” He thundered, regally. “And these are my commands. Iras, you are to leave the home of this woman immediately with your daughter.”

“My Lord, I have no where to go!” The servant cried.

“In that case, you and your daughter may come to the palace. I shall see to it that you are given a place to stay within the palace until a home can be bought or built for you and your daughter. I also command that this woman give half of the inheritance to you and your daughter, as according to the last wishes of Lord Hemaka. Wishes that he personally asked me to see fulfilled. And that is all I have to say on the matter. Togeses, please go with them and see that this is done as I have asked. You are dismissed.” Togeses and Iras smiled and bowed, but the wife of Hemaka flashed the Pharaoh a look of undiluted fury and loathing. Ahmose narrowed his eyes at the woman.

“I have been wronged.” She snarled. “And there is revenge to be had.” Ahmose stepped forwards.

“You dare to threaten the Pharaoh?! In MY presence?!” He shouted, and the room grew silent. “Perhaps it shall be YOU to find a new home.”

“You do not frighten me.” She snapped. “You are nothing! The bastard child of foreigners! You are not welcome in this nation, this city, this palace, and certainly not in the Temples of our gods... You are out of YOUR place you murdering whore!!!” The hall exploded in outrage, and Ahmose’s eye twitched before he turned his back to the hall, crossing his arms over his chest and staring hard at the wall.

“SILENCE!!!” Yugioh roared, standing. He glared down at her. “I have heard enough. When I give an order, it will be followed or there will be consequences! You are opposing my words! You have threatened me! And you have given insult to a High Priest! And there will be consequences!” He glared at the livid woman, and at Ahmose who still stared at the wall. He frowned, and then turned back down to the woman. “I think I like Ahmose’s idea. You and your son will leave your home and find a new place of residence. Iras and her daughter are the new mistresses of the estate, and everyone in it.”

“WHAT?!” The woman screamed.

“That is the penalty for your refusal to accept my law. Should you protest and resist again, you will find yourself losing half of the inheritance you have left to Lady Iras, leaving you with merely a quarter of the inheritance. I suggest that you take what you have before you are left with nothing! Now leave!!!” And he followed Ahmose’s example and turned his back, crossing his arms and showing that he was done with the situation. Iras left the room thanking Yugioh profusely, Togeses actually had to drag her from the room, and Hemaka’s wife stormed out in a rage. As soon as they were gone, Yugioh announced that he was retiring, and swept from the room, Ahmose at his heels. They made their way through the palace and ended up in Yugioh’s chambers. Yugioh immediately turned to Ahmose.

“Are you okay?” He asked, and Ahmose looked at him.

“What do you mean?”

“You cannot fool me, Ahmose. You are upset. When she called you those things, your face was… and your body posture… you were angry, and upset. You still are.”

“She… she called me…”

“Shhh…. Nothing she said was true.”

“No?! It was! And that’s why it… upset me. She called me a bastard… Do… do I know the identity of my father? No. I don’t. No one does. And whoever he was, he and my mother were foreigners. She… called me a murdering whore… And… I am a murderer. And I… I…”

“You are NOT a whore…” Yugioh snapped, grabbing Ahmose’s shoulders.

“She knows.” Ahmose whispered. “She knows what happened to me.”

“It does not matter.” Yugioh said. “It doesn’t. Believe me.”

“I’m sorry… I can’t.” Ahmose said, and lowered his head to rest on Yugioh’s shoulder. The Pharaoh sighed and smiled sadly, stroking the sorcerer’s hair.

“Come… we have to sleep. We have a long trip tomorrow.”

“Yes.” Ahmose said softly, and followed Yugioh to the bed.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

A fleet of great barges moved slowly up the Nile, being poled by dozens of men. On the largest barge under a red tent lounged the Pharaoh of Egypt, whining about the heat.

“Great Ra, why can’t I get a breeze?” Yugioh moaned, and Ahmose rolled his eyes.

“It’s because you won’t get off of your lazy ass and come out here where there is one.” The sorcerer said, looking back at his King. “The tent blocks the wind. It’s quite cool where I’m standing.”

“Then move, you’re blocking the wind.”

“I am not. Now get off your butt or quit whining.”

“Ahmose I order you to shut up.” Yugioh grumbled, and Ahmose sighed and shook his head, but shut up. “Besides… there’s nowhere to sit out there.”

“I will move a chair for you.” Ahmose managed to say between clenched teeth.

“Do that.” Yugioh snapped back, and Ahmose sighed, but bowed and did so, picking up a chair that was in the tent and moving it just outside of it.

“I don’t like that chair!” Yugioh whined.

“Ra be damned, Yugioh!!!” Ahmose cried, whirling and glaring.

“Don’t talk to me like that!” Yugioh shouted. “I’m hot! And thirsty! Can’t you magic up some wind? I command you to make it cool down!!!”

“Magic up some--?” Ahmose began, eyes wide. “Why you little…” And he stormed over to Yugioh’s couch and picked him up bridal style.

“Hey! What are you doing?! Put me down at once!!!” Yugioh started shrieking. “I command you to put me down!!!” The nobles on the other barges all emerged from their own tents to see what was going on. “AHMOSE, I COMMAND YOU TO PUT ME DOWN THIS INSTANT!!!” Yugioh was howling. Ahmose walked right over to the edge of the barge.

“As you wish!” He snapped, and Yugioh’s eyes widened.

“NO, WAIT, DON’T—“ But Ahmose dropped him right into the Nile.

“Magic up some wind my….” Ahmose snarled, watching Yugioh thrash around in the water.

“HOW DARE YOU?!” The Pharaoh screamed, and Ahmose crossed his arms and glared.

“Are you cool now, your majesty?” He growled. The nobles and the Pharaoh stared at him, shocked and appalled.

“Why you arrogant son of a jackal!!!” Yugioh shrieked, then reached out and grabbed the hem of Ahmose’s cloak. “Magic your way out of THIS!!!” And he jerked.

“YEEEAAAH!!!” Ahmose shouted as he toppled off of the barge and splashed into the river next to his king. A moment later he surfaced, spitting water out of his mouth and glaring at Yugioh.

“YOU deserved it.” The Pharaoh snapped, and Ahmose blinked.

“….. yes sir.” He mumbled. “However, I have cooled down now.” Yugioh blinked.

“You’ve cooled…?” He began, then grinned and began to laugh. “You idiot!” He cried, and splashed water at Ahmose.

“Hey!” Ahmose howled, and splashed him right back.

Ptahshepses sighed and shook his head from where he stood watching the Pharaoh and his body guard engaged in a water battle.

“Do they ever grow up?” He mumbled to himself.

After the young men had worn themselves out they climbed back onto the royal barge and lay back on the deck of it, soaking wet and enjoying the breeze.

“It’s been too long since I’ve had fun like that.” Yugioh said with a grin, and looked at Ahmose, who smiled and nodded. After a long silence, Yugioh frowned and turned, looking at the relaxing sorcerer.

“Ahmose?”

“Yes?”

“Am… am I a good person?” He asked. Ahmose opened his eyes and looked at Yugioh, blinking.

“Huh?”

“Is my soul… good?”

“Yugi, why are you asking me this?” Ahmose asked, rolling onto his side and propping himself up on his elbow.

“If I were to die tomorrow, would I pass the test that Anubis will put me to? Will my heart outweigh the Feather of Ma’at, or will it be outweighed?” Yugioh clarified. Ahmose sighed and smiled.

“Yugi…” He said, reaching out at taking his King’s hand. “You are a good man. You have a good heart. There is no doubt in my mind that you will pass the test of the Scales.”

“Why?” Yugioh asked, and Ahmose frowned.

“Well… right after your coronation, we found the nation under attack. And while you were planning to meet the attacks and perform counter attacks, you stopped. You looked at a city on the map, and remembered that they had been attacked. And you immediately had yourself informed of their situation and you took the time to find a solution to give them relief. You care about your people. You are not self centered. You care about those around you, and you help them when they need you.” Yugioh snorted.

“Like who?!” He snapped. Ahmose blinked.

“Me.” He said, softly, and Yugioh turned and looked at him. “I would not be here today if it weren’t for you. You have done more for me than you know.” Yugioh stared at him, then slowly smiled.

“Come.” He said, standing, and turned to head back to his tent. Ahmose got up and followed. Once he was in the tent, Yugioh pulled the cord that had tied the flaps open, and they fell closed. Ahmose blinked, then grunted as Yugioh flew at him and kissed him.

“Hmmph?!” Ahmose mumbled, startled by the sudden action. Yugioh backed away, chuckling.

“Hush…” He said, before kissing the sorcerer again. Ahmose’s eyes closed as he felt his cloak fall to the floor with a wet splat, and heard the Pharaoh’s cape follow. He started, trying to jerk away when he felt his Pharaoh’s fingers on the sash around his waist.

“Shhhh…” Yugioh soothed, and Ahmose stilled, allowing himself to be undressed. A few minutes later he found himself standing naked in the middle of the tent, being circled and inspected by his King. Blushing, he lowered his head and fidgeted with his hands. Yugioh smiled.

“Are you embarrassed?” He asked, a laugh in his tone. “Ahmose… you and I grew up together. I have seen you without clothes numerous times.”

“Y-Yes… but you never seemed to c-care. You’ve never… LOOKED at me like this.” He stammered. Yugioh smiled.

“Are you sure?” He asked in a teasing tone, and laughed when Ahmose’s blush darkened. He walked closer, reaching out and brushed his fingers over scars littering Ahmose’s chest and abdomen. Ahmose swallowed and lowered his head.

“I’m sorry.” He murmured. Yugioh blinked.

“For what?” He asked, but Ahmose didn’t answer. “For your scars?” He nodded. “You have no reason to be sorry. They were inflicted protecting me. They bear witness to your loyalty and devotion. They are nothing to be ashamed of.” Ahmose blinked, then smiled slightly and nodded, looking up at Yugioh.

“I suppose. I wish I could say the same for all of my scars.” And a shameful look came over his face and he bowed his head again. Yugioh sighed and took Ahmose’s hand. Ahmose looked at him.

“Come.” He was commanded, and he found himself lying on his stomach on Yugioh’s lounging couch. His eyes widened when he felt Yugioh climbing onto him, straddling his buttocks... naked. Ahmose tensed and jerked, and Yugioh leaned forwards, lying on Ahmose’s back.

“Shhhh… It’s okay, Ahmose. It’s only me…” The Pharaoh whispered, pressing a gentle kiss on his back between his shoulder blades, just above the Mark of Anubis. Ahmose released his breath and laid his head down, forcing his body to relax. Yugioh smiled and sat up, beginning to rub his hands over Ahmose’s back and shoulders.

“I love you, Ahmose… I wouldn’t be able to get ANYTHING done if it weren’t for you. You have been the best… EVERYTHING I could possibly have… advisor, body guard, confidant… brother… and, perhaps… a lover. If you will allow it.” Ahmose blinked.

“Lover?” He whispered.

“I love you…” Yugioh said. “I love you like I’ve never loved anyone before.” Ahmose lay there, staring off into space and just listening. “You know me more than anyone, Ahmose. And I think it is safe to say, that I might be the only person in this world who knows you.” Ahmose let out a deep sigh and Yugioh watched, feeling his ribcage expand, then relax beneath his palms. “You mean more to me than anyone. Promise me, Ahmose… promise me that you will always be beside me.” Ahmose closed his eyes.

“I cannot promise that, Yugi. No matter how much I wish I could. But I will stay with you as long as I possibly can. And I will promise that should we ever get separated…” Ahmose rolled over under Yugioh and took his hands. “I will do everything within my power to return to your side. That is where I belong. My home is where you are.” Yugioh smiled down at Ahmose, then shifted to rest on him. Ahmose closed his eyes lightly, folding his hands beneath his head, and Yugioh smiled, folding his hands on Ahmose’s chest and resting his chin on them. They lay still and silent for a while, Ahmose with his eyes closed, Yugioh staring at Ahmose’s face.

“Ahmose?” Yugioh called after a while.

“Yes?”

“I love you.” He said, and Ahmose smiled slightly. “Ahmose?”

“Yes?”

“Do you love me?” The Pharaoh asked, and Ahmose blinked his eyes opened, looking at him. “Well?” Ahmose smiled and reached out, running his fingers over Yugioh’s face.

“All my life, Yugi.” He replied. “I have loved you all my life.”

“I mean… as more than a King… or brother… do you love me as a lover?”

“For many years, Yugi. You are the only person in this world that I love.” Ahmose answered. Yugioh frowned and raised his head.

“The only one? Ahmose… surely you love someone…”

“I loved your father. And I loved him as my father. But you are my world, Yugi. You are the one I live for. And you are the one I’d die for. No one will ever come close to you. No one.” Yugioh smiled.

“I love you, Ahmose…” He gasped, then kissed Ahmose. Ahmose paused for a moment, but then closed his eyes and kissed back, his hands falling to Yugioh’s shoulder. Yugioh gave Ahmose an encouraging moan and tangled his fingers in Ahmose damp hair, tracing the seam of his lips with his tongue. Ahmose made a small noise of surprise and confusion, so Yugioh went a bit further, gently lapping at his lips, before pushing his tongue between them. Ahmose furrowed his brow slightly, but after a moment opened his mouth. Yugioh made another noise of approval, sliding his tongue in. Ahmose tensed, so Yugioh pulled back slightly.

“Shhh…” He hissed, before kissing him again, slipping his tongue back into the sorcerer’s mouth and curiously exploring the unfamiliar territory. And slowly, Ahmose relaxed. Yugioh broke off the kiss and smiled at Ahmose, gently placing more kisses over his cheeks and eyelids, sliding a hand down his side to rest on his hip. Ahmose jumped slightly, but sighed and relaxed again almost immediately. Yugioh smiled as he moved to the side, taking Ahmose’s ear into his mouth, nibbling around the gold ring in it. Ahmose hissed and Yugioh smiled again as he felt the sorcerer’s hand on the small of his back. He moved his lips down the pale throat and kissed across his collar bone.

“Ahhhh…..” Ahmose groaned, craning his head back and squirming slightly.

“See?” Yugioh said. “It feels good. And it will only get better. But you have to trust me.”

“I do trust you.” Ahmose sighed.

“May I continue?”

“Yes…” Ahmose breathed.

“My Lord Pharaoh!!” A voice called, and to Yugioh and Ahmose’s horror the curtain brushed aside to admit Ptahshepses. All three men froze, staring in horror. Ptahshepses was the first to snap out of his shock. He stepped into the room and quickly closed the tent flaps before turning and glaring and Ahmose, sitting straight up with a horrified expression on his face, Yugioh straddling his lap also with a look of horror and guilt.

“What are you doing?!” The elderly man hissed. Yugioh grabbed the blanket and pulled it around their hips before moving away from Ahmose who pulled his spare cloak from the floor and pulled it on before standing and handing Yugioh his. Both nineteen year old boys stood before the man who had helped raise them, and had been their teacher.

“Well? What is going on?! What are you thinking?!” Ptahshepses snapped. Ahmose stepped forwards.

“I’m sorry, I… I didn’t think that… that—“ But he was cut off as the man slapped him across the face.

“I believe it is obvious that you didn’t think, Inarus! What is wrong with you, you know better! How could you DARE to—“

“It’s not his fault!” Yugioh gasped, moving between Ptashepses and Ahmose when the man raised his hand to strike the sorcerer again. “Please! I… I love him… He has never made the first move… It’s always me, please. He’s not at fault, I am.” The man glared.

“You BOTH know better. Ahmose, you cannot have a relationship with Pharaoh Atemu. It is high time that he married.”

“I am aware of this, sir.” Ahmose said, bowing his head.

“But I don’t WANT to get married!” Yugioh cried in disgust. “I… I want to be with Ahmose…”

“Sadly, my Lord, Ahmose can not bare you a child.” Ptahshepses said in a wry tone. Yugioh’s lips twitched and he looked back at Ahmose, grinning in amusement while Ahmose blushed. Yugioh turned back to Ptahshepses.

“I know he can’t. And even if he had a spell that would allow him to, I’d prefer it if he didn’t, that would just be…. Frightening.”

“Yugi…” Ahmose groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“You need an heir.” The old man growled. “Ahmose cannot give you one. You must find a wife.”

“I don’t WANT to!” The Pharaoh whined. “Can’t I just… knock up one of the girls in the harem?” Ahmose winced and smacked himself in the forehead.

“No, Yugi…” He sighed. “Ptahshepses is right. You have to find a queen.” Yugioh frowned and pouted, crossing his arms. “You need an heir.”

“Fine!” The Pharaoh snapped. “But that will be her only purpose. And should anything happen to me before my son can rule properly, I will have Ahmose act as regent to the throne.” Ahmose bowed, as did Ptahshepses.

“That is fine, Pharaoh Atemu. Just as long as you go through with the marriage and production of an heir.” The man said. “But this relationship between the two of you must end. Now.” Ahmose winced, but bowed.

“It will not.” Yugioh stubbornly announced, folding his arms. “I love Ahmose. And as long as he is willing—“

“It is forbidden!” Ptahshepses cut him off. “He is forbidden to be involved with anyone! He is not just your body guard… he is the High Preist of Anubis. And a Priest cannot become involved with anyone.”

“I do not care!” Yugioh cried. Ahmose winced again, searching for a dry pair of pants, which he pulled on. He then left the tent, drawing up his cloak and hood. He moved to the bow of the barge and watched the river, trying block out the pair back in the tent loudly arguing.

~*~

Yugioh stood beside Ahmose as the barge approached the dock, and looked over the crowd that had gathered to greet the Pharaoh. Ahmose peered around at the crowd from under his hood, as always searching for anything that may threat his king. The barge was brought into the dock and Ahmose stepped off, turning and watching his Pharaoh follow him. They strode down the dock and stepped onto the dry ground, where a man approached them with a pair of horses.

“My Lord Pharaoh, I offer you my horses to carry you to your destination.” The man said with a bow, and Yugioh smiled and nodded, taking the reins of a brown mare while Ahmose took the reins of a charcoal gelding.

“Thank you.” Yugioh said with a smile, mounting the horse. “Your generosity shall be rewarded.” And the man smiled and bowed.

“No reward is necessary.” The man said. “I am well off and have all that I need in this life.” The Pharaoh smiled and nodded.

“Such selflessness makes you a true gem among stones. You will be honored, if not in this life, then in the next.” Yugioh said, and the man bowed, backing away as Yugioh turned the horse and rode away, Ahmose at his side. They road down the Nile, heading towards a mountainous region just ahead. They reached an impassible section of the bank of the Nile and turned, heading inland, a group of guards following. Finally, they reached a narrow canyon. They dismounted, and Yugioh followed Ahmose in. Soon, they reached a cave in the side of the cliff. A man stood waiting and bowed, offering Ahmose a torch. The sorcerer took it and entered, his Pharaoh behind him.

“An open cave?” Yugioh said, sounding dismayed.

“It will be sealed with stone from the ground. It will simply look like the wall of the cliff. The entrance to your tomb will be undetectable.” Ahmose explained, and Yugioh’s eyes widened.

“Clever. This was your idea, wasn’t it?”

“Perhaps.” Ahmose replied with a small smile. Then, the cave walls smoothed into a corridor, marked delicately and waiting to be carved. They walked along, starting to hear noises of hard work being done. They emerged into a wider corridor where men were working, smoothing and carving the walls. Ahmose turned to the right and led his Pharaoh along.

“Here, a spell will be placed, according to the plans that I drew up for your tomb.” Ahmose said, then moved further. “Traps will be placed here, of poisoned darts, and further up there will be a place for large blades to swing down across the corridor.” Yugioh nodded, already impressed. Then, a man hurried down the corridor, scrolls tucked under his arms.

“Welcome my lords!” He said, bowing. “Forgive me, I had meant to meet you, but we had an unfortunate accident.”

“What happened?” Yugioh asked.

“Someone fell into the snake pit.” The architect said, and Ahmose nodded. “Allow me to give you a tour.”

“Please do.” Ahmose said with a nod. The architect smiled and bowed, turning and guiding the two young men along.

“As you can see we are making very quick progress. We are simply smoothing out the system of caves that already exist. If we go this way, a short cut that will be caved in once the tomb is finished…” and he led them through a dark passage. “We have here, a Shadow Ground in the making.” And they emerged into a large cavern that was being shaped and carved into a Shadow Ground. “My Lord Inarus, this is what you had requested?”

“Yes.” Ahmose replied. “Whoever might dare enter the tomb will not pass through this room unless they defeat my Soul Shadow in a Shadow Game.”

“Soul Shadow?” Yugioh asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” Ahmose said. And so for the rest of the day the continued to tour the tomb, though the Pharaoh felt like he was just tagging along. All discussion was between the architect and Ahmose, who was also casting spells and placing curses right and left. By the time they left the tomb, Yugioh’s head was spinning. But he had to admit it, Ahmose and the architect had done a phenomenal job. Ahmose had even insisted on having the two burial chambers, placing Yugioh’s body within the hidden chamber and having a decoy body placed in what would appear to be the royal burial chamber. By the time they left the tomb the sun was setting and Yugioh was ready to go to bed. They had to ride back to the dock, however, and the sky was dark by the time they got there.

The man who had loaned his horses was waiting with a meal for his Pharaoh, and Yugioh was so touched by his generosity that he decided to postpone bedtime and he, Ahmose, Togeses, Tris and Ptahshepses dined with the man and his family in their home, and Ahmose used that time to examine the man and his family and their way of life, trying to find some area of their life in which improvement was needed or greatly desired so that they might give them whatever it was as a reward for their kindness. But Ahmose found that the man had told the truth when he said that he had want for nothing. He lived a full life and prospered as a breeder of horses, so Ahmose and Yugioh decided to gift him with a young breeding stallion that they would choose themselves upon their return home, as the man had a lack of young stallions among his studs.

And finally they returned to the dock and boarded the barge, and the royal procession on the river began to float downstream. Yugioh went straight to his tent, stripped and fell into bed. Ahmose, amused, took more time in readying for bed, but soon joined his king and curled up around him, and was soon lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of the river.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Be careful… you’re making enough noise to wake the dead!!!”

“Shut up, Mariku… If the dead wakes, we’ll just kill them again. Honestly, you bitch like a woman.”

“I am NOT a woman.”

“Heh… If your penis were smaller, you may as well be.”

“Is that a compliment or an insult?”

“I’ll let you decide.”

“Ass.”

“You know you love it. Now shut up or you won’t be getting any of it.”

“YOU shut up.”

“… I got it.”

“About time.”

“Getting horny, love?”

“………… Akeifa?”

“Hmm?”

“Fuck off.”

“Hah!” Akeifa laughed, and Mariku rolled his eyes, leading the way into the nobleman’s tomb.

“I hate you…” Mariku hissed, and Akeifa only giggled in response, the dangling pieces of the Millennium Ring softly ringing against one another on his chest. The Millennium Rod was stuck into Mariku’s belt.

“Can we leave grafitti to piss off the Pharaoh?” Akeifa asked, and Mariku snickered.

“Why the hell not? Sure we can.”

“Hmm… ‘what he has in hair, he lacks down there.’ How about that?” Akeifa asked, and Mariku blinked, then burst out laughing.

“You’re an idiot!” He jabbed, looking back at his grinning partner. “Gods, I love you.” And they shared a quick kiss.

“Love you too.” Akeifa announced. “Are you feeling that?” Mariku nodded.

“This place is protected by more than the normal traps…” The blonde said. “There’s sorcery here…”

“Hnh… well, we may as well get used to it… the Pharaoh will die eventually, and we both know we’ll be up to our ears in dangerous protective spells when we raid it.”

“Stupid sorcerer…” They both muttered in unison, and Mariku snorted.

“I hope the Pharaoh kicks it soon… I’d rather have that sorcerer on the throne than that idiot, Atemu.” The blonde growled, and Akeifa snorted.

“No kidding…” He grumbled, tossing his red cloak over his shoulder. For the entire conversation, the pair had been skirting around traps, seeing what would have been invisible to anyone else. But they did not see the trap that lay in the first chamber they entered. Their eyes on the floor, looking for any irregularities, they moved across the room. But when they reached the middle, the Sennen Eye on the face of the Rod, and the center of the Ring flashed, and there was a sudden shockwave. The pair froze, eyes wide, and watched in shocked confusion as a glowing green symbol began to appear on the floor, branching out from where they stood until the edges of the circle were complete. Then, a glowing green wall rose from the floor to the ceiling.

“SHIT!!!” Mariku yelped, and charged at the glowing wall. He slammed his shoulder into it, and screamed as a green lightning engulfed him, before throwing him away.

“MARIKU!!” Akeifa cried, running to his fallen comrade. He lifted the older man up to lean against his chest, and the blonde groaned. “Mariku…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The Millennium Key flashed, and Ahmose’s eyes flew open. He sat straight up in bed, jolting Yugioh out of his sleep.

“Ahmose?” He mumbled as Ahmose leaned over him and grabbed the key from where it lay beside the Puzzle.

“I’ve got them.” Ahmose gasped, then grinned, looking at his king. “Ishtar and Itemri have been snared.”

“You caught them?!” Yugioh gasped, sitting up.

“Yes.” Ahmose said, and grunted as his king hugged him tightly, then jumped out of bed, threw on a robe and ran out of the tent, shouting to rouse the rest of the people in the royal barge procession. Ahmose yawned and stood, hanging the Key around his neck and pulling on his own robe, then picking up the Puzzle and following Yugioh out onto the deck of the barge. He held up the Puzzle, and the Pharaoh grinned and took it, hanging it around his neck.

“Finally…” He said. “This is incredible!!!” Ahmose smiled and opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off by a scream. The sorcerer and Pharaoh turned their heads in the direction from which it came, and when it sounded again, they broke into a run, heading for the back of the barge. And there, their eyes widened. A noble accompanying them was on his back, cowering before a large hulk.

“That… that’s the Battle Ox!!” Yugioh gasped, and Ahmose nodded.

“I felt no Shadow Magic…” The sorcerer gasped. When the Battle Ox raised his blade, Yugioh grabbed the Puzzle.

“DARK MAGICIAN!!!” He screamed, summoning up the monster. A black hole, a portal between two dimensions ripped open over the Pharaoh’s shoulder, and the summoned creature sprung forth at his master’s call. “DARK MAGIC ATTACK!!!” The magician raised his staff, and with a bellow of rage, the Battle Ox was blasted away by the power of one stronger. Then, the victor knelt before his master. Ahmose blinked.

“Who summoned that Battle Ox?” He gasped, turning to his Pharaoh.

“He was not summoned.” The Dark Magician answered, cutting off Yugioh’s ‘I don’t know.’ The Pharaoh and Sorcerer turned to look at the Shadow creature.

“Wasn’t summoned?” Yugioh repeated.

“He escaped.” The Dark Magician replied.

“Escaped?!” The two boys gasped.

“The Shadow Realm is in turmoil.” The Dark Magician reported. “The monsters are becoming restless, and the barrier between your world and ours is becoming weak. Monsters have been finding ways to break free…”

“Great Set…” Ahmose breathed, going pale. “Yugi, this is… this is bad…”

“Yeah… bad…” Yugioh gulped. “Dark Magician. Find out why!”

“It is magic. A dark vengeance is ripping its way through the Shadow Realm.”

“Vengeance?” Ahmose asked, hoping for some clarity.

“It is a curse.”

“What curse? Whose curse?”

“I do not know…”

“Ahmose… the tomb robbers?” Yugioh reminded his sorcerer. Ahmose blinked, and then nodded.

“Of course. We’ll deal with this later…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Akeifa watched Mariku pace about in anxiety. “Gods only know how long we’ll be here…” Mariku was saying. “Unless we can get out, we’re gonna die…” Akeifa sighed. Mariku pulled the Millennium Rod, for the third time, then charged at the wall and stabbed it. A shimmer simply rippled across the surface of the force field. “DAMMIT!!”

“Mariku… stop it. Please.” Akeifa said. “You’re just…” The younger of the pair trailed off as he felt a pulse of power from the Ring around his neck, and Mariku’s eyes darted down to the Rod. Then both watched as two of the little spikes from the Millennium Ring suddenly pointed towards the entrance to the tomb.

”A Millennium Item is coming…” Akeifa said

”Two, actually.” Said a voice, and the tomb robbers whirled, then snarled as the Pharaoh entered the chamber, Ahmose behind him, followed by a swarm of guards who surrounded the shield. Then, Atemu gave a nod, and Ahmose lowered the walls of the tomb robber’s prison. The pair leapt into action, drawing their weapons, but Ahmose narrowed his eyes and both tomb robbers let out a shout as the hilts of their blades grew hot, and they dropped their weapons. The guards overwhelmed them and soon had Akeifa and Mariku in chains. Atemu was absolutely gloating.

”Take them to the dungeons!” He ordered. “And interrogate them as to thee whereabouts of their lairs!” And he and Ahmose watched as they were dragged from the tomb. “Congratulations, Ahmose!” Yugioh squeaked, and leapt on Ahmose, hugging him. Ahmose grunted and stumbled a bit, but smiled.

“Thank you. You go ahead. I must cleanse and re-seal the tomb.” The sorcerer said.

”Okay. Hurry up, though!!” And the Pharaoh ran after the guards, eagerly. Ahmose watched him go, then got to work.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Ahmose shivered and drew his cloak closer around him, and watched Yugioh do the same as they walked through the dungeons, on their way to see their newest prisoners. The guards leading them stopped, and they turned to look into the cell. The pair were huddled in the corner, naked and shivering, clinging to each other for warmth. Yugioh smirked and Ahmose simply stared as the captured duo glared at the royal pair.

“Care to tell me where your stashes of stolen items are?” Yugioh asked.

“Fuck you!” Mariku snapped, and Akeifa snorted in disgust. Ahmose lifted his head slightly, having expected an answer along those lines. Yugioh glared.

“You will show the proper respect to your Pharaoh!!!” A guard barked.

“Respect is EARNED!!!” Mariku shouted. “And that dog of a pharaoh will receive none from US!!!” And he spat on the floor before him to emphasize his point.

“Find out where they’ve hidden everything they’ve stolen.” Yugioh said calmly. “And find out how they got into the palace to get the Millennium Items. I want to know any of their allies or contacts or informants. And I want to know the locations of all their lairs. You may attain this information however you want.” And he turned and walked away. The thieving pair glared after him, then turned their glares onto Ahmose, who still stared, silently. After a moment, he turned and followed his King.

“Well?” Yugioh asked as they left the dungeon. Ahmose blinked.

“What?”

“What would you do?”

“…. About what?”

“Those two down there.”

“… what do you mean?”

“What would you do with them? I’ve dreamed of this for so long, and imagined all the different things I could do… but now that I finally have them… I don’t know what to do with them!!!” The Pharaoh exclaimed. Ahmose smiled in amusement.

“You’re doing fine. Torture them for the information you requested, and then execute them.” Ahmose said.

“And throw their bodies into the desert for the vultures!” Yugioh crowed as they entered the throne room. Ahmose raised an eyebrow.

“You will not even offer them the dignity of a simple shallow grave?”

“Why should I?!” Yugioh snapped. “They have desecrated the tombs of the Pharaohs who came before me… the tomb of my father! Did you see Ishtar’s blades?!?”

“… Yes Yugi. I have known for a few years.” Ahmose said softly, and Yugioh stopped in his tracks.

“… what?” He gasped, and slowly turned. “You knew…? You knew, and never told me?!?!” He screamed. Ahmose bowed his head. Yugioh’s eyes flashed, and the room was filled with a loud crack, as the Pharaoh brought his hand across the face of his body guard. The servants and nobleman in the great hall froze, and all eyes turned towards the pair. Many looked on with fear; what had angered the Pharaoh to the point of striking his body guard, someone he had not raised a hand against since he was nine and Ahmose had accidentally elbowed him in the eye.

The Pharaoh continued to glare at Ahmose, whose head slowly turned back to face Yugioh, though his eyes remained lowered. Yugioh narrowed his eyes and swung his arm again, and for a second time a crack ripped through the air as Ahmose’s head was whipped to the other side.

“You’ve known… and never told me….” Yugioh hissed, shaking his head in disbelief.

“I’m sorry, Yugi…”

“Get out of my sight.” The Pharaoh growled, and Ahmose’s eyes darted to stare into those of his king.

“What?!”

“Get out!!!” Yugioh shouted and turned, storming towards his throne. Ahmose’s eyes darted around in anxiety, torn between hid duty and his orders. But finally, he turned and looked around, catching Tris’ eyes. The Captain of the Guards walked over and laid a hand on Ahmose’s shoulder, nodding to the sorcerer’s silent request, then followed Yugioh to his throne, taking up Ahmose’s place at his side. Ahmose slowly turned and left the room, and ended up in the library. And that was where Yugioh found him several hours later. Ahmose looked up when he walked in.

“Yugi…”

“I’m sorry, Ahmose.” Yugioh said, and Ahmose blinked. “I shouldn’t have gotten so angry… I understand why you didn’t tell me…” He sighed and sat down next to Ahmose. “When… when did you find out?”

“that chance meeting at the oasis a few years back… when I fought them, Mariku taunted me with your father’s blades…” Ahmose said. Yugioh nodded.

“I see.” He said softly. “that must have been very difficult for you.”

“… I lost my temper.”

“You lost your…? I take it back. That must have been overwhelmingly infuriating for you.” Yugioh said, and Ahmose smiled slightly and nodded.

“Are you okay, Yugi?”

“I will be. We have them now. They will pay for what they have done…”

“Yes. They will.” Ahmose said. Yugioh sighed and yawned.

“I’m heading up to bed. Come with me?” The Pharaoh asked. Ahmose blinked and glanced down at what he had been reading, but then sighed and smiled.

“Of course.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Mariku winced as Akeifa’s screams drilled through his skull, penetrating into the core of his being. He would have been screaming back to Akeifa, clawing and fighting to get to him, but his body just ached so… he could not move he was in such pain, and his throat was burning from the screaming he had been doing earlier on, when Akeifa had fought to come to his aid. But now Akeifa was enduring the same torture that he had been forced to endure…

Tris marched in and strode over to Akeifa, hanging limp from the shackles around his wrists. The man’s breathing was harsh and pained, and agonized whines and whimpers came from his swollen lips. Tris gripped Akeifa’s chin and lifted his face, staring into his eyes. Akeifa stared back. His eyes were full of pain and desperation, but the flames of hate and defiance still glowed brightly. Tris couldn’t help but to admire Akeifa. Akeifa and Mariku both. They had courage and loyalty, and even under the most painful of tortures they were not giving up anything to their captors. Tris sighed; he could use men like that in the service of the Pharaoh.

“Release him and allow him rest.” Tris ordered. “We do not want their minds lost.” The soldiers nodded and removed the shackles from Akeifa’s bloodied wrists, and dragged him into his cell, locking the door before going to wash his blood from their hands. Tris watched Mariku’s face contort in pain as he forced himself up to his hands and knees and dragged himself over to Akeifa’s shaking body. With strength that both Tris and Mariku were surprised that he had at the moment, the blonde thief dragged the body of his companion into the corner and onto the moldy mat stuffed with old straw. He flung his tattered cloak around his own nude form and leaned against the wall, then pulled Akeifa up into his chest, draping Akeifa’s red cloak over his body.

“Shhhhh…” Mariku hissed as Akeifa groaned. He winced in his own pain and lifted the jug of water to Akeifa’s lips. The younger man opened his mouth and accepted the small trickle that came from the jug, but that was all that came, and it soon stopped. Akeifa let out a choked whine, and Mariku grimaced, dropping the jug and holding his lover.

Tris winced and turned, picking up a jug of water at the wall and unlocked the door. Mariku watched warily as the Captain of the Guards walked over and set the jug down by his side. Then Tris turned and walked out of the cell, locked it, then left.

Mariku picked up the jug, pulled out the cork, and lifted it for Akeifa to drink again. Once Akeifa had drunk his fill, Mariku took his turn, then slowly lowered himself and Akeifa to lie on the mat. He pulled Akeifa’s cloak over himself, and flung his own cape over Akeifa’s, giving them both the extra warmth. Akeifa opened his eyes as Mariku pulled his body close.

“I love you…” He whispered in a raspy tone, and Mariku smiled, wiping away bloody tears from Akeifa’s face.

“I love you too…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yugioh sat on his throne, Ahmose by his side. It had been nearly a month since the capture of Mariku and Akeifa, and Yugioh had run out of patience. He watched as the pair was dragged into the throne room, naked and dirty, covered in bruises, blood and grime. But the pair still glared at the young Pharaoh.

“Mariku Ishtar and Kurah-Akeifa Itemri.” The king said. “This is your last chance.”

“What? To talk?” Mariku snapped. “To give you what you want? Like hell!”

“If you wish for your suffering to end—“

“Oh, suck my fuckin’ nuts!!!” Mariku spat. “You Ra-forsaken sadistic fucks wouldn’t show mercy even if we told you everything you wanted to know and more! So we sure as hell ain’t givin you fuckin’ pricks what you want!”

“You’re a spoiled rotten bitch! These fat fucks may give you everything you want, but we sure as hell aren’t going to bend over backwards to make you happy!” Akeifa shouted, then spat on the floor, showing his intense disgust with the Pharaoh. Ahmose sighed and shook his head slightly while Yugioh glared.

“I offer you a deal—“

“You offer us nothing worth taking!” Mariku spat.

“What would you want?” Togeses asked.

“We want you assholes to fucking die.” Akeifa growled with a psychotic grin, and he and Mariku burst into maniacal laughter. Ahmose’s eyes narrowed and he took a step closer to his king.

“I offer you mercy and you spit on me.” Yugioh sighed, shaking his head.

“You offered us no such thing…” Mariku snorted, and Akeifa giggled.

“And if you would be so kind as to lift your lazy ass off of that eyesore you call a chair and come down here, we will be GLAD to spit on you.” The younger thief laughed.

“This is your last chance for me to show mercy by offering you a swift death!” Yugioh shouted, standing. “Refuse me and you will die slowly, in agony!”

“You mean like we have been?” Mariku asked in a low, calm tone.

“You’re such a stuck up prick! You’re a spoiled snot nosed brat who isn’t good enough to lord over a fuckin’ brothel, much less Egypt!” Akeifa blurted out. “You’re a coward! A spoiled self centered self-proclaimed god who hides behind his palace walls, armies, and bodyguard! But I guess I should have expected it all along, huh?! After all… Like father like son… It’s only a matter of time before you find yourself a bitch to knock up over and over again until she dies, finally popping out another inbred bastard like you!” Ahmose’s eyes widened and the Puzzle around the Pharaoh’s neck flashed.

“Kurah!” Mariku shouted, seeing that Kurah-Akeifa had crossed the line. “Shut up!” But a bright flash from the Puzzle lit up the room and briefly blinded all who looked into it. Akeifa’s scream ripped through the room like a banshee’s shriek, and when the light faded he was lying flat on his back, soulless eyes staring blankly at the ceiling.

“Akeifa… AKEIFA!!” Mariku screamed and ran to his lover’s side, dropping to his knees and gathering the limp body to his chest, and in the tower, the Millennium Ring briefly glowed. Ahmose stared.

“Yugi!” He gasped. “What did you do?!” But Yugioh didn’t answer… he wasn’t finished.

“Akeifa! You bastard!!! What did you do to him?!” Mariku was screaming, rocking and shaking Akeifa’s body, trying to got some sort of response out of him. “Akeifa, please! Answer me! Akeifa!!” He whirled and fixed furious eyes on the Pharaoh, face streaked with furious tears. “YOU!!!” He dropped Akeifa’s body and charged. “I’LL FUCKIN’ KILL YOU!!!” The Puzzle flashed once again, lighting the room with bright white light, and Mariku’s scream reverberated through the corridors of the palace, and when the light faded he lay face down on the floor, limp and staring. In the tower, the Rod glowed as it accepted the thief’s soul…

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Hi everyone! I’m back! So I can go back to updating on a regular basis! YAY!!! But first and foremost I want to apologize to all of my readers for my… bitchiness the last few updates and my whining about the lack of reviews I was getting. I honestly don’t know what got into me really. It was a very stressful semester and the end of the semester was awful. I was up to my ears in papers and exams and library books, and I just got a lot of joy from my reviews; they really make my day. ^_^ But my attitude was inexcusable, and I’m sorry. I don’t write for the reviews, I write because it’s something that I love to do, and I think I kind of lost sight of that. Plus I was spoiled by fanfiction.net where I got almost 800 reviews on one fic (Tearing Down the Sky). Obviously I don’t have nearly that many, but of course, this site has a smaller following. But it has a more mature and intelligent following. Anyway, I’m sorry to everyone. You guys are the best!!! And now, on into 2006 with my… less than PC fics, eh? ^_^