Chapter 97: The Trial Begins
Two More Years later...
[Yuna's POV]
As time passed, Kisara finally reached adulthood, much to my pride. When she got older, her work ethic also grew, and she became much more intelligent than before. However, ultimately, it was Shada who inherited the Millennium Key and became a new member of the sacred guardian, taking Shimon's place.
While it was regretful, another opportunity was opened for her. Since Shada will become a sacred guardian, Kisara will naturally take the role of the Grand Vizier! But that would still take some time, and Kisara has been preparing for this by attending as many meetings as possible.
With this, she was also able to get much more familiar with Atem, Aknamkanon and the other Sacred Guardians:
Mahad, one of Atem's close friends and the wielder of the Millennium Ring.
Karim, a calm and loyal man who wields the Millennium Scale.
Anakadin, a mysterious old man who wields the Millennium Eye.
Isis, a kind and intelligent woman and the wielder of the Millennium Necklace.
Finally, Seto and Shada, who possess the Millennium Rod and Key, respectively...
Otherwise, Kisara's life has been uneventful, except for one thing. With my approval, Seto became much more proactive, interacting with Kisara every chance he got. Even a blind man could tell that he had fallen for her upon first sight.
To my relief, his hard work was not fruitless endeavours, and Kisara gradually became more conscious of him. Seeing their timid and cute romance first-hand, it was indeed a new form of entertainment, and the amount of teasing materials seemed to never end.
However, this also came at a cost. As their affection for each other grew, I found Kisara to be less dependent on me than before. While I was disappointed, it was something I had already come to accept when I went through with this plan.
Eventually, I will leave Kisara, so if she could have someone else to be there for her, I can go home without worrying...
As I was thinking of these sad thoughts, I heard Kisara's happy humming while putting on her clothes, "Are you going out on a date with Seto again?"
"He's just taking me somewhere to eat..." Kisara blushed as I approached her. While I haven't aged at all in these five years, Kisara now could be considered an adult, outgrowing me in many physical aspects...
I'm definitely not jealous or anything...
Sighing, I patted her shoulders, "Isn't that just a date?" Before she could refute it, I gently poked her cheek, "What's there to hide? Are you really going to lie to me?" I muttered and feigned a sad expression.
"No, no!!!" Kisara screamed and blushed, "I just feel embarrassed..."
"Of course..." I nodded and embraced Kisara as her head rested against my chest, "I'm really happy for you..."
"Yuna..." Kisara mumbled before staring at me with an anxious look.
"What's wrong?" I playfully messed with her hair, "Worried about the date?"
"No, it's not that..." She shook her head, "Remember what we talked about five years ago when we first arrived in Memphis? I said that I never wanted to find love?"
"Uh yeah, what about it?" I tilted my head, feeling that the conversation was going towards something strange.
"When you said that it is a beautiful feeling... I didn't believe you, saying that Yuna is enough for me... But now, I don't think I can be happy without Seto too..."
"Isn't that a good thing?" I replied in a confused tone, "That means that Kisara has more people she can trust now."
"Yes, but... Yuna... Didn't you love someone too?" She stared at me with a pained expression, "While I could barely imagine myself without Seto... How would Yuna feel if she was separated for years?"
Gradually, the smile on my face faded as Kisara mentioned a sore spot. Realising her mistake, her expression turned into horror, "I'm sorry I didn't mean to!"
I flicked Kisara's forehead and stopped her rambling as I softly stroked her head, "It felt awful." I answered, "But it's ultimately something I've gotten used to..."
"Kisara, promise me that you will cherish this moment because you never know what will happen." I lectured, and she nodded solemnly, " Good, now go and have fun. I will be waiting here."
Reluctant to leave her spot, I finally pushed Kisara out of the door, "Don't be late now. You can't have Seto waiting!"
With a smile, I waved, and she finally left. When I couldn't hear Kisara's footsteps any more, my smile disappeared as I fell onto the bed. Since it would be inappropriate to go along on Kisara's date, I found myself having a lot of free time with nothing to do.
"So bored..." I muttered while staring at the ceiling, "Well, as long as nothing bad happens..." I thought to myself. However, I didn't realise how wrong that was until later...
[3rd POV]
"This is delicious..." Kisara muttered softly and carefully placed the food in her mouth. Closing her eyes, she thoroughly enjoyed the taste with a satisfied smile.
"I'm glad," Seto chuckled with relief, "I was worried that it might not suit your taste..."
"As long as it's Seto who's introducing the food to me, I will always do my best to enjoy it," Kisara replied with a smile, and he coughed in embarrassment.
Observing the woman sitting opposite him, Seto felt a rosy sensation in his chest. As the two years passed by, he felt his affection towards Kisara grow, and much to his joy, he realised that she also felt the same way.
"There's still some time before we must return to the palace. Would you take a walk with me?" Seto asked.
"Of course," Kisara agreed, and they eagerly left the restaurant.
Carefully holding her hand, Seto matched Kisara's slow pace as they walked through the peaceful street. Occasionally, their shoulders will bump into each other, sending a tingle down Seto's spine. However, as he glimpsed at her face, Seto could every so often notice her subtle frown.
"Is there something on your mind?" Seto asked as Kisara let out a troubled sigh.
"It's nothing... I'm just worried about my friend, who I talked about..."
"Ah..." Seto nodded, already knowing what friend Kisara was referring to. He could still remember the first time he met the spirit; she was unnaturally strong, able to summon other spirits to fight on her behalf.
Additionally, he felt suspicious of her identity when she declared that she had a relationship with Kisara. All doubt was cleared when Seto saw the spirit with her arms around Kisara's neck as they wandered through the palace.
While his relationship was still awkward, Seto felt glad that such a powerful being was watching over her. Yet, Seto finds it amusing that Kisara is the one who's constantly worried about her.
"Did something happen with your friend?" Seto calmly inquired, and Kisara smiled sadly.
"Um, you see... my friend actually has someone she loves. But due to circumstances, they were separated for a long time..." She explained with a sigh, "I just wish there was a way to comfort her..."
"In my opinion, just being with her is enough." Seto replied with a knowing smile, "From the sounds of how much you worry about your friend, she sounds like someone very close to you."
"Yes," Kisara averted her gaze and blushed, "Thanks... I think I know what I have to do... It's about time we went back. We have been walking pretty far."
"Indeed," Seto agreed before glancing around, "But let's take our time..."
Enjoying each other's presence, they slowly made their way back towards the royal palace. When they finally reached the foot of the temple, Seto stopped with a regretful sigh. He truly wished that this moment could last longer but was hindered by their duties.
"I had a lot of fun today." Kisara smiled kindly.
"Kisara..." Seto reached out his hand, caressing her cheek.
He carefully leaned closer, and Seto felt her breath against his skin. Kisara's eyes quivered in anticipation as she watched his lips inching closer towards her own. However, just as Seto was about to advance, a guard frantically ran down the temple.
"My lord!!" He shouted urgently, and the two froze.
Scowling deeply, Seto clicked his teeth and glared at the guard in annoyance, "What is it?"
As the guard approached him, he whispered in his ear. Seto's eyes widened, and his face transformed from shock to horror in a matter of seconds.
"Understood. I will be there immediately." He muttered coldly.
"Seto..." She touched his shoulder, "What's wrong?" However, she had never expected the following words to come out of his mouth.
"The Pharoah... The Pharoah is dead..."
[Yuna's POV]
A few days later...
The news of the Pharoah's death spread like wildfire, creating chaos in the palace. Physicians said that he passed away due to illness, but that barely explained everything. It was around this time that Atem and Aknamkanon finally discovered the method to create the Millennium Items, which was created through the death of ninety-nine people.
Unable to bear the guilt, the old Pharaoh sacrifices himself to the Egyptian Gods as penance. Which ultimately lead to his death. Now, the seat of the Pharoah was vacant, leaving Atem to claim that spot...
In the throne room, all of the sacred Guardians were kneeling in one place. Behind them knelt Kisara and other important figures as they watched Grand Vizier Shimon approach Atem on the throne. In his hand was a crown with an elaborate design, wings on the side and the symbol of the Millennium Items at the front.
Gently, Shimon set the crown on top of Atem's head and announced loudly, "In the name of our ancestors and the people of this land. I now place this crown upon your throne, symbolizing your authority and our loyalty to our new king! All hail the new pharaoh, the exalted ruler of Egypt!"
"Long live the Pharoah!" Everyone chanted in unison, their voices spread deafeningly.
As the crowd cheered, I suddenly felt a massive headache assault my mind. Clutching my head in pain, Kisara glimpsed at me with worry as I groaned uncontrollably. It was as if a sense I had lost so long ago reappeared. To my disbelief, a sudden luminous screen manifested before my very eyes...
{The Trial of Memories has Begun}
The message that appeared before my very eyes shocked me to my core. My body froze as I watched Atem also groan and clutch his head while sitting on the throne.
Instantly, I grasped Kisara's shoulders and yelled, "Kisara! What's the Pharoah's name?!"
"T… The Pharoah?" Kisara, with her head bowed, frowned. "Um… Isn't it just the Pharoah? I don't remember him having any other name?" Things have definitely changed. Despite having a friendly relationship with the Pharoah, she completely forgets his name, whom she has known for two years, in a matter of seconds.
"No, he has a name, remember?! It's..." I paused in a daze, finding myself unable to utter his name. No... No matter how much I tried, I also couldn't remember...
"Yuna... Are you okay?" She mumbled as my breath quickened, and I began to hyperventilate, "...Yuna..."
"I'm. fine..." I muttered through gritted teeth, suppressing the panic shaking my heart.
It was also at this time that light also returned to the Pharoah's eyes, and he blinked in confusion. That was when I knew that the trial had truly begun, and he was no longer the actual Pharoah but Yami Yugi himself.
"Pharoah, is something the matter?" Shimon asked worriedly when Yami Yugi opened his eyes.
Immediately, confusion plagued his face, and his eyes wandered around the room. Eventually, Yami Yugi turned to Shimon before blinking in disbelief, "Grandpa?"
"Pardon?" Shimon instinctively replied as Yami Yugi continued to look around in a state of shock.
"Kaiba, Ishizu as well? What are you both doing here?!" He uttered sheepishly, staring at Seto and Isis. However, when Yami Yugi spotted me, excitement returned to his face, "Sano, is that you?!"
"Pharoah..." Seto interrupted him with a solemn expression, "Please regain your composure. I understand everything must be overwhelming for you. But right now, you need to remain calm."
Remembering his situation, Yami Yugi coughed awkwardly and nodded, "I apologise..." However, his pupils were still trained on me.
Yami Yugi: 'What are you doing here?'
Me: 'I will explain later!'
We talked with our eyes as Yami Yugi refocused on Seto's conversations. Still stroking Kisara's head, another system message appeared before my eyes.
{Task: 17}
{Assist ????? in passing the Trial of Memories}
{Reward: #!)%*^(}
Frowning at the vague message, I stared intently at the reward section on the screen. While the question marks were easy to interpret, the reward for completing the task felt strangely ominous.
Nonetheless, Yami Yugi should pass the trial, whether with or without my involvement. What's more important right now is to keep Kisara safe. So I might have to get help from Yami Yugi after all...
Meanwhile...
[3rd POV]
"Sano.... Sano!!" Seto screamed desperately, shaking her shoulders. Untying the restraints, Seto took a sharp breath as he clasped her hand before slipping from his grasp, "Yuna!"
Seto's mind was in turmoil, and he stared at the Tablet of Memories in confusion. No words could describe his sense of confusion, unable to grasp what was happening, "Yugi..."
On his last wits, Seto begrudgingly turned his head towards the boy and his friends, "Tell me what is happening..."
Stunned, Yugi began to explain everything. About his other self and how everything they've been through was for the purpose of unlocking the Pharoah's memories. Now, they were able
to reach the Tablet of Memories, which was the key to unlocking his memories and getting him home, "I don't know why Sano-san was also brought into the trials..." He muttered with guilt, "I'm sorry, Kaiba..."
Seto gritted his teeth in helplessness, and he extruded an atmosphere too intimidating for anyone to approach. As the group were at a loss for what to do, a figure materialised from thin air, surprising everyone.
"Shadi!" Yugi spoke in amazement, and the robed man nodded calmly, "What are you doing here?!"
"Greetings, young Yugi..." Shadi responded, "As you may already know. The Pharoah must pass the trial and relive the events in the past to unlock his memories. However, this journey may be a blessing and a curse..."
"The Pharoah could finally learn about his past, but to do so, he must defeat the great evil that threatened the world all over again. This is an ultimate shadow game, where one wrong move could result in his death."
Hearing his explanation, everyone gasped, and their faces were plagued with worry. Licensing at the side, Seto's pupils trembled, realising that Yuna was sent to that same trial as well...
"Then you must end this!" Seto snapped, "Yuna is in there!!" When he tried to grab Shadi, his hand merely phased through the man's body, leaving him stunned,
"What in the world are you..."
"Unfortunately, my mortal life has already come to pass, and I remained as a century-old spirit that wandered through this world. My earthly body was unfortunately destroyed by a tomb raider named Bakura..."
Everyone: !!!
"Like the Pharoah, Bakura was also an ancient spirit who battled the Pharoah long ago, and his goal was to use all of the Millennium Items to bring that great evil to the real world..."
"Hold on then! Didn't the Pharoah manage to defeat Bakura once? Can't he do it again?!" Joey questioned.
Tea: "Just because he has won once doesn't mean that he can do it again..."
"That's right..." Shadi agreed, "Which was why you have to stop Bakura within the trials."
"How!" Seto urged impatiently as he pointed at Yugi.
"There's only one way to enter the realm of the Pharoah's memory. All it lies is in the Millennium Puzzle and the Tablet of Memories."
With worry, Seto turned to Yugi in desperation. Holding the Millennium Puzzle, Yugi nodded with resolve and stepped forward, "Please, tell me how."
Under Shadi's instructions, Yugi raised the Millennium Puzzle in his hand. Suddenly, the artifact glowed as both the puzzle and tablet reacted simultaneously, creating a bright golden portal.
"Once you enter, you can't return unless the Pharoah reigns victorious", Shadi spoke solemnly, "There is a possibility that you may die in there..."
Yugi and his friends glanced at each other with concern as they gulped nervously. However, their anxious thoughts were broken as Seto clicked his teeth. "What is there to hesitate about? I don't care about the consequences. I'm going..."
"Kaiba..." Yugi muttered worriedly, causing Kaiba to snort.
"Don't tell me you're running away? Here, I thought that you guys were at least brave..."
"Huh, what did you say?!" Joey snapped, "There's no way we're leaving the Pharoah alone!"
"Shall we go now?" Shadi asked, and the group approached the gateway to the past. Staring at the portal, Kaiba clenched his fists, his head subconsciously turned to the girl lying on the floor with her eyes closed.
"Yuna..." He mumbled with a deep sense of concern. Taking a deep breath, Seto unhesitantly moved, and with determination, he stepped into the portal...
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I hope you enjoy it. This is going to be the last time skip since everything in the trial happened in the span of a few days...
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