Nobody spoke. Nobody had the words to describe what was happening right in front of their eyes. Bakura and Shimon watched with visible excitement on their faces as the shape grew, vastly increasing in size. Atemu could do nothing but gawk at the impressive height and volume of the Dark God. The Priests stood all on their feet and watched, mouths agape, safe for Akunadin and Aishizu. The eldest Priest was severely weakened due to the loss of his Eye and the Priestess was supporting Kisara, the young woman's eyes closed and her chest falling and rising delicately. Mana hid behind Mahaado, trembling in fear. The groaning turned into an ominous rumbling and the Dark God proved himself to be far too large to be contained; he broke through the ceiling of the shrine, causing sand and clay to come down. The Priests quickly scattered to avoid being buried in the debris; Bakura laughed at their distress.
"Zorc!" he said, grinning like a madman. "Show them your powers!"
Zorc? Atemu had never heard of him before. He had never encountered the name in any of his papyri or scrolls, neither had his father ever mentioned him. Akunadin shivered and whimpered.
"Please, Pharaoh," he croaked out, voice almost unrecognizable. Atemu took his chance and edged closer to the man's side; Bakura and Shimon were too occupied with Zorc to notice his movement.
"Akunadin, tell me," he said.
"Forgive me, Great Pharaoh. Your father... he didn't know. It's my fault. I did it! I fell for the lies of this monster, I believed him... with the help of a spell book, I crafted the seven Sennen Items, convinced I was doing the right thing... for my son... only for my son!"
Atemu remembered what Shimon had told him about Akunadin, not long ago. The vizier had revealed to him that Akunadin was Atemu's uncle, and Set was his cousin. More so, he had implied that Akunadin had been the one responsible for the attacks in the Palace, heavily insinuating the Priest worked together with Bakura... but how much truth was there to Shimon's words, now that he was used by the Dark God, even possessed by him?
"I'm responsible for the Kuru Eruna massacre," Akunadin continued. "I figured that no one would miss a city full of lowlife thieves and pilferers. I never thought someone would survive..."
Atemu gasped. "So he was telling the truth," he said, casting a glance at Bakura. He could hardly believe it: the self-proclaimed King of Thieves, the man who had tried to kill him and who had stolen his Puzzle, had actually never lied?
"He's justified in his anger and hatred," Akunadin admitted, "but he has aimed it towards you, not to me! Please, Great Pharaoh, let me bear his anguish, let me suffer for what I've done..."
"I do not want to hear about it," Atemu said. "We can make things right again. We..." His voice died down in the absolute, shocking silence. The groaning and rumbling had stopped. Instead, he could hear breathing; a deep, heavy breathing, and shivers ran down his spine. Atemu slowly straightened himself and craned his neck. Zorc towered over him, a monstrous creature with huge, curved horns, glaring red eyes and skin as black as the night. His menacing, large teeth made his appearance even more demonic. The Dark God brought up his arm and stared at his hand with elongated, razor sharp nails.
"Exactly how I remember it," he finally spoke. His voice was booming, like thunder rolling down a mountain. "I'm alive again!"
"Zorc!" Atemu stepped forward, not about to be intimidated by the demon God, even though he was completely dwarfed by his massive body. "You will be stopped!"
"Not even an army can stop me, Pharaoh." Zorc snorted. "Look at you, standing there, with no one around to help you!"
"Liar!" Mahaado lifted up his arm to allow his dia d'iankh to unfold. Zorc didn't seem to care that the Priest could move his arms freely. Shimon or Bakura didn't care either; they didn't take any action, they just kept watching. Set also raised his arm to unfold his dia d'iankh. Atemu didn't understand how they had been able to free themselves, until he realized someone was behind him and tugging at the rope that restrained him. It was Mana; just like the other women, her hands had been tied in front of her body and she had used the distraction of Zorc's resurrection to hide behind Mahaado and undo his binds first, then Set's. Atemu looked over his shoulder and she looked back, showing him a frightened grimace. As Mahaado and Set called for their kaa, he whispered to her: "Free the others, Mana. Take Ishizu and Kisara with you and run!"
"I'll never leave your side," she protested. "Atemu!"
"It's far too dangerous. Leave!" he urged her. The knots came lose and the rope slipped from his wrists, leaving his hands chafed and bloodied.
"I can heal you," she said. "No, don't rub your hands together, you're making it worse!"
"Sorry," Atemu mumbled. Now that he was free again, his skin started to itch and tingle. He stretched his arms, his joints cracking and popping after being rigidly constricted. "I still want you to leave," he insisted. "Zorc is dangerous. Please!"
"I can't leave," Mana answered with the same stubbornness. "You need my help!" She muttered something and a pale, purplish light enveloped his hands, healing the torn skin. Despite the gravity of the situation, Atemu gently withdrew his hands.
"There is no time," he said. "I have to help the others. I want you to-"
"You have to leave!" Mana grabbed his hands again. "What would we do without you? You have to be safe, without you everything is lost!"
"I will never hide from malevolent beings like Zorc," Atemu said, heatedly. "I have to protect my Kingdom, my people, you... everyone I care for!"
"I know," she was in tears, "but look at him! I don't want you to risk your life! You're our Pharaoh!"
Mahaado's Magus of Fantasy Illusion used its heka to blast at Zorc, and Set's Duos used its Duos Blade to strike at him. The Dark God looked bored, if it was possible to read any expression of his grotesque face. With one swipe of his large hand, he sent the kaa's spiraling down, crash-landing on the floor. Mahaado sank to his knees and Set clutched at his chest, both in tremendous pain. The Priests weren't at full power after having fought the shadows that brought them to Kuru Eruna and they had been unconscious for quite a while. Atemu felt despair rising within him. He didn't have a dia d'iankh; if only he could call for Obelisk! He gritted his teeth. The painful truth resonated in his mind: he wasn't feeling very well or strong either, and Zorc was just so powerful, so overwhelming and so... solid. Even if he managed to summon Obelisk, he wouldn't be able to sustain him long enough to fight Zorc. Atemu's mind worked at rapid speed, weighing all his options and frantically searching for a strategy. Mahaado's Magus went up in the air again, hovering, hesitating. Duos got back on its feet, but Set also clearly hesitated to give an order. Zorc laughed; it was more like a disdainful chuckle of someone who knew he had the absolute upper hand. He laughed at them.
"Is that all you've got? A pathetic sorcerer and a weak warrior? Your efforts are futile! You can't stop me, you'll never stop me!"
Atemu knew the Dark God was right. Even at full force, they wouldn't be able to withstand a force as powerful and dark as Zorc. They would need God.
"Go on, call for your kaa and fight me," Zorc taunted them, taking delight in the look of desperation in their eyes. "I will strike you all down!"
"Duos!" Set commanded his kaa. "Attack him again!"
Atemu turned towards Mana. "Go to Akunadin," he said, "he suffered a lot of blood loss. Heal him, and bring me his dia d'iankh!"
"You're going to call for God," Mana said. Her voice trembled. "You can't! You're not strong enough! Hide, Atemu! The Kingdom is lost without you!"
"She's right, Great Pharaoh." Karim had overheard them. The tall Priest was frustrated as he couldn't use his Item, the Scales, to fuse the kaa's into stronger monsters. All seven Items were confined to the stone slab, guarded by Bakura who was standing closest to it. He matched Karim in physical strength and the King of Thieves was strengthened by the Darkness, not weakened by it like the Priests. "There are many places to hide. Please, your safety goes above all. We'll come for you when we have defeated Zorc."
Karim put his hand on Atemu's shoulder, a very frank gesture for a Priest towards his Pharaoh. They had shared a kiss before, but still... the tenderness in his touch moved Atemu almost to tears; he had heard the lie in Karim's voice. Karim knew that no one would be able to defeat Zorc, still he wanted to see him safe. Atemu put his hand on top of Karim's, curling his fingers around his and gave a gentle squeeze.
"Thank you," he said, "but I will not hide. Stand tall, Karim. We will fight together!"
For a moment, Atemu thought that he was going to protest, but Karim nodded at him sternly. He didn't try to impose on Atemu, he understood his need to stand up against this monster of darkness. Mana opened her mouth and closed it again, uncertain what to say.
"Mana, obey your Pharaoh's orders," Karim said, albeit gently. "Heal Akunadin as far as possible and bring his dia d'iankh. Then, take the women out of here."
She nodded and ran away. Karim raised up his arm. "I will call forth my..."
"No, wait," Atemu said, pushing his arm down. "An all-out attack will only waste our strength! We have to find out his weakness first."
"Yes, you're right." Karim tilted his head. "Please stand behind me, so I can protect you."
Atemu smiled at him. He would allow his Priest that much, and together they approached Zorc, just as Duos was struck down again and the Magus' barrage of pure heka bombs was deflected, not even scratching the tall Dark God's skin.
"Zorc!" Atemu called out to him. "What do you want?"
He rumbled with laughter. "I already have everything I want, Pharaoh. Why do you even bother asking? There's nothing you have that I could possibly want!"
"You will never rule this Kingdom!" Atemu gave back.
"Give it up," Bakura said crudely. "Zorc's not interested in your puny Kingdom. He'll turn this land into his own realm, a veritable Shadow Realm, and there'll be no place for you, Pharaoh."
Shimon showed a vicious smile, unfitting with his usually friendly face, now a dark mask of twisted, outspoken hatred. "You're going to be a lost soul, begging to be send into oblivion," he snarled.
"That's for me to decide." Calmly, Zorc reached for Shimon and with a slap of his hand, he threw him aside. The pudgy vizier rolled over the floor, screaming in pain. Bakura cackled. Shimon smacked so hard against the nearest wall that the wind was knocked out of him. Wincing from the pain, he remained lying, unable to move. Atemu couldn't help it, he ran towards him, faster than Karim could hold him back.
"Shimon!" He grabbed him at the shoulders. "Shimon!"
The confused look in the elderly man's eyes was painful. Shimon's eyes were unfocused, and it took him a couple of attempts before he could speak.
"Gr... Great Pharaoh... what happened?" Blood trickled down his mouth. Atemu tore off a large piece of fabric of his cape and dabbed it at Shimon's face.
"Lie still!"
"Where are we? What is going on? Great Pharaoh, I don't remember..." Shimon's eyes went wide when he caught a glimpse of Zorc. "What... what is that?"
"The Dark God, Zorc," Atemu said. "He has been summoned. There is no time for explanations. You are injured. I..."
"Let me help," Mana said softly. She handed Atemu the dia d'iankh.
"Good work, Mana! Where is Akunadin?"
"He refused to leave," she said. "So did the others. Don't worry about us, Atemu. Do what you have to do. We'll help and support you!"
Atemu nodded and put the dia d'iankh on his wrist. Strengthened and confident, he raised his arm, ignoring the pain in his hands and wrists, overpowered by the pulsing heart of God.
"Obelisk, come forth!" He called out and the God Soldier immediately answered. Obelisk's height and volume made short work of the underground shrine, taking the rest of the ceiling with him as he materialized. Everyone ran to a safe place to hide for the rubble and debris, even Bakura, as the two Gods clashed. Obelisk balled its mighty fist and punched Zorc in the chest. He stumbled backwards in his attempt to maintain his balance.
"The Items!" Zorc's left leg was close to the stone slab; if he moved just a few inches he would destroy it by just the sheer volume and weight of his body. Atemu sprinted forward to retrieve the Items, but Karim grabbed him at the scruff of his neck.
"No, Great Pharaoh! We'll get them once the fight is over, it's far too dangerous!"
He was right of course, and Atemu had no other choice but to leave the Items for now. Zorc was distracted by Obelisk, the God Soldier pummeling away and toppling him over. Huge clouds of dust and sand filled the shrine, taking away everyone's vision.
"Is he down?" Atemu asked, keeping his eyes closed. Karim was close to him, shielding him with his body.
"I can't see! We have to wait until the dust has settled!"
Zorc roared and clasped Obelisk at the arm. "I've had enough!" With uncanny force, he ripped it off. Atemu screamed as indescribable pain surged through him. He had seen it happen to his Priests; whenever the kaa was injured, the one who summoned it felt pain as well. For some reason, he hadn't figured it worked the same with Gods. It felt like his own arm was severed by a burning blade, hot searing pain so great that he lost consciousness. It took only a few seconds for him to open his eyes again and Atemu realized that his Priests looked at him in horror, fearing his demise. Obelisk struggled to recuperate and the Soldier God took a few steps back before dropping to the ground, defeated for now. Atemu had difficulties breathing. Mana was next to him, but this wasn't something she could heal. Worriedly, she looked from Obelisk to Atemu and back again, at a loss.
Bakura threw his head into his neck and cackled loudly. "Finally, you'll get what you deserve, Pharaoh!"
"Leave him alone!" Mana yelled, but her voice was drowned out. Karim stepped in front of Atemu, blocking him from Bakura's view. "Fiend! You'll get what you deserve!"
"No, Karim." Atemu scrambled to get back on his feet again, mustering up his remaining strength. "If this is what I truly deserve, than come up and end it now, Bakura. Leave everyone else out of this!" He ignored the collective "No, Great Pharaoh!" behind him. "Whatever you think is coming to me, give it to me. End it right here, right now!"
Bakura licked his lips and brought up his bare hands, the eagerness to kill radiating off of him.
"No," Zorc said, stopping Bakura right in his tracks. The thief looked up, annoyed.
"You promised him to me," he said. "Let me finish this!"
"I said 'no'," Zorc repeated. "The Pharaoh is mine. I have plans with him. He's going to become a puppet, just like you."
"A puppet?" Bakura sounded offended. "You promised him to me in exchange for all the work I did! He has to pay for what he did to my family! To my village!"
Zorc didn't even bother to answer. Instead, he made a slight movement with his finger and Bakura's voice hitched in his throat. A trickle of sand leaked from the corners of his mouth, and his skin turned into a sandy color. No, it wasn't a color... it was sand! Bakura brought up his hands, staring at them in horror. The sand literally seeped through his fingers and he started to scream.
"Bakura!" Atemu wanted to run towards him but once again, Karim held him back. In the last seconds of his life, pure fear was visible in the thief's eyes, and then he was gone. All that remained of him was a pile of sand, amidst his conspicuous red cloak.
"Zorc!" Atemu couldn't believe what he just saw. "What have you done to him?"
"I don't need him anymore." The Dark God shrugged. "He was useful for my resurrection, but now he has served his purpose."
"Bakura..." Atemu stared at the small pile of sand. First Shimon was cast aside, and now Bakura's life had been taken. Zorc took so much confidence in his powers that he didn't need anyone's 'help'. From what Atemu had seen of him, Zorc didn't really need anyone - what could he do? "You are not a God," Atemu said. "A true God would value the life of his men, of his people!"
"Come now, Pharaoh, don't be so upset. He was just a pawn, a puppet. What use do I have for those? Value life, you say? Life means nothing to me. Only the darkness counts!"
"Even Bakura deserved better than this," Atemu said. "You are a monster!"
"I am a monster?" Zorc was amused. "Do you really think I could've been resurrected if there was nothing but peace and prosperity in your little Kingdom? It's the darkness in people's hearts, in your own and everyone around you, that created me into existence. Anger, pain and hatred will always be present in the 'life' you cherish so much."
"No," Atemu retorted. "We all have our mistakes. That is what makes us human! Maybe there always will be anger and hatred, maybe there always will be darkness, but I will shoulder it all!"
"You can't." Zorc was unperturbed. "Look around you. This old man," he pointed at Shimon, "was filled with dissatisfaction and resentment as he was forgotten by the young Pharaoh, who never asked for his advice."
Shimon closed his eyes in shame and Mana, still with him, yelled: "Stop it! He's a good man!"
"And your Priests," Zorc chuckled, which was quite disturbing coming from a demon like him, "where to begin? How he was so jealous, how he couldn't stand to see his brother on the throne? How he hated that you would inherit the throne, and not his own son?"
Akunadin huddled in his robes, embarrassed.
"Stop talking!" Atemu raised his voice. "You are twisting the truth!"
"Am I?" Zorc's humongous teeth gnashed. "I know everything about your Priests! I have seen and read their hearts and minds, and there's no light or sweetness about them, Pharaoh. Have I told any lies? Is that man not your father's brother? Did he not crave the throne for his son, who's standing over there?"
Atemu looked into the direction Zorc pointed at. Set stared back, bewilderment obvious. The High Priest mouthed "Son?". Akunadin tried to hide in his robes.
"We have darkness in our hearts, yes," Atemu said, his chest heaving with the intensity of his words. "We make mistakes. We do bad things. Do not overlook the good things we are capable of, Zorc! We love and care for each other, we-"
"Who are you fooling? That 'love' you speak of, is the most twisted, darkest emotion of them all! Just look at those two!" Zorc spat. Atemu knew without a doubt who he was talking about. "They were at each other's throat, ready to kill, their hearts consumed by jealousy and envy because they long for one and the same person, someone who'll never be able to give his heart to the both of them. Or do you claim that your heart loves two people exactly the same way they love you, Pharaoh?"
"Enough!" Rage exploded in his body and soul. To hear this entity, this demon, talk so disparagingly about the people he loved, made his blood boil. His dia d'iankh shimmered with an intense red glow. "God of Heavens, Osiris! Appear before me, now!"
"That's impossible!" Shaadah's mumbling got lost in a huge roar. Zorc narrowed his eyes, irritation visible. Another shadow, slender and swift, joined the darkening sky, flying straight at Zorc. The Dark God grumbled as a large tail coiled around him, strapping his arms to his massive body.
"Osiris," Mahaado whispered the name of the God in awe. He worried immediately though, and he looked at Atemu, concerned. Calling forth two Gods so soon after one another... how was he able to stand upright and not succumb to the weight of sustaining them? Mahaado's heart filled with pride for the man he loved, truly loved, despite that pang of jealousy that automatically flared up whenever Karim was around. He couldn't give in to that jealousy or Zorc would prey on it, and he needed all his strength and attention to control his Magus. Osiris materialized around Zorc's body, and it opened its giant mouth to unleash a blast of pure energy. Zorc yelled out in pain, not having expected such a frontal attack.
"He's destroying Zorc!" Shaadah said hopeful. Set narrowed his eyes, closely following the combat. With Osiris coiled around him, Zorc's movements were limited, but he managed to wrestle one arm free and grabbed the end of the God's tail. Grunting in frustration, one side of his face smoldering, Zorc tore Osiris off of him, throwing him into the remains of Kuru Eruna. The blow was so hard, that Atemu spat out blood.
"Pharaoh!" Karim immediately caught him before he could fall to the ground. Panicked, he called him by his name. "Atemu, Atemu!"
Zorc brushed off the dust, smirking at the two Gods, lying in the rubble of what once was the city of thieves. "Hopeless," he said, "but why should I try to convince you? Your reign is over, Pharaoh, and all of your existence is over. The world will be my Shadow Realm, and you'll all die!" He moved his large hands up, keeping them a little apart as he curved his fingers. Mahaado recognized immediately what was going to happen, the immense amount of heka already building up.
"Get back, everyone, get back!" He pushed Set and Shaadah aside in a futile attempt to protect them. No one was going to survive this attack. He was going to die and Mahaado realized he wanted to touch Atemu one more time, one last time. One second of touching the man he loved, the person he couldn't live without... he took a sprint to get to Atemu's side as Zorc launched his attack.
"Spiria!" Unbeknownst to the others, Aishizu had joined the fray, leaving Kisara and Akunadin in Mana's care. Her kaa was capable of projecting a barrier, a protective shield to deflect the attack. Spiria was surprisingly joined by another kaa: it was Mana's! A young magician girl reinforced Spiria's shield, the other kaa accepting her right away. Mahaado would've taken great pride in the accomplishment of his student, but he was too occupied shielding Atemu from the incoming blast. Zorc's giant heka sphere collided with Spiria's barrier. Despite the help of Mana's kaa, the barrier bend immediately, overpowered by the massive force of darkness.
"They're not going to make it!" Mahaado looked at Karim, silently begging his fellow Priest. Karim, still holding Atemu, didn't hesitate and made room for Mahaado, grabbing his arm and pulling him closer. Huddled together, they made sure to shield Atemu with their bodies, but they hadn't accounted for the Gods. Obelisk had managed to get back onto its feet and albeit missing an arm, it moved to stand in front of the protective barrier, taking the brunt of the burning heka. Osiris joined him, spreading its wings and absorbing the rest of the attack. When the attack was negated and the heka dissolved, both Gods were near depleted. The gravity of their injuries after absorbing Zorc's onslaught shook Atemu's body so much that he spat blood again. He slumped further into Karim's arms.
"Atemu!" Karim didn't care if anyone could hear him call the Pharaoh by his first name. Mahaado did exactly the same, frantically wiping the blood away. "Atemu! Stay with us, please..."
"It's too much," Karim said. "I'll take him to safety! He can take no more!"
"Take him far away," Mahaado said. "I beg of you! Take him where this demon can't find him!"
Shaadah raised his dia d'iankh. "Go! I'll cover you," he said. "I call forth my Two-Headed Jackal Warrior!"
"Duos!" Set ordered his kaa back to his side, and Mahaado's Magus followed his example while hovering in the air.
"Impressive," Zorc said, "you managed to repel my attack. You even managed to call forth a second God, even more impressive!" He laughed again. The blisters on his burnt face had already disappeared. "To show you my infinite power... I'll create darkness all over the world!" He stretched his arm and reached for the sun.
Atemu heard the horrified cries from his Priests. Zorc... created and fueled by the darkness in everyone's hearts, strengthened by hatred and anger. It couldn't be... it just couldn't be that this demon would plunge the kingdom, the entire world, into a realm of horror and despair. Atemu was barely aware of his surroundings. Obelisk's and Osiris' pain transferred to his body, and he felt numb, paralyzed... not even their pain registered anymore. The Gods... not even the Gods were able to defeat Zorc. Justice is with the Gods. His father believed in justice. His father, murdered as a first sign of Zorc's presence. Poisoned, just like darkness poisoned everyone's hearts, in whatever form: anger, sorrow, hatred, resentment... his father hadn't died in vain, had he? His death had given way to him, Atemu, to step up and rid the Kingdom from darkness. He wouldn't succumb to Zorc's threats and taunts; he wouldn't allow this demon to cause pain and despair! From the corners of his eye, he saw the dia d'iankh on his wrist. Only one left. The one who could bring light in the darkness... but he wasn't strong enough to call for the last God. More so, Atemu's energy had drained so fast, that it was a miracle he was still breathing. Karim took him in his arms so he could carry him away.
"Rest now," he said, his voice strained. "You've done all that you could."
Mahaado took Atemu's right hand. "Take some of my strength," he said. Atemu wanted to laugh at him; Mahaado could barely stand on his own two feet, yet he offered him the last of his energy. With a small smile, Atemu wanted to shake his head, but even that little movement was too much. He closed his eyes, hearing the panicked cries of Mahaado and Karim. They love me. I have their love, the love of my friends, the strength of our bonds, the unity of our hearts... the love of those who love me, who will stand up to defy the darkest demons and who will risk everything to be with me... I cannot leave them, I cannot abandon them.
"Come forth..." he muttered.
"No Atemu, no, you don't have the strength," Karim begged him.
"You are killing yourself, please, do not do it!" It wasn't like Mahaado to sound panicked, but his words didn't reach Atemu's ears. He could feel it: how everyone loved and cared for him, not because he was the Pharaoh, but because they were his friends, his family, his lovers. He absorbed it, he reveled in it, he soaked it all up like a sponge; that love and warmth enveloping and embracing him, erasing the despair and fear in his heart. He raised his arm, despite Mahaado trying to push him down. The Darkness was complete: Zorc blocked the sun and continued his rampage, focusing on the weakened, injured Gods. The tall demon God brought up his hand, with the intention to form another heka sphere. A small glitter of light caught his attention and he looked down. Zorc snorted at the sight of Atemu, flanked by his Priests, holding up his arm with the last of his strength. The tiny sparkle on the dia d'iankh died and Zorc couldn't withhold his laughter.
"It's over," Karim whispered softly, as if he was afraid Atemu could hear it.
Mahaado brought Atemu's hand to his lips. "I love you," he said.
Karim mimicked his gesture. "I love you."
"Come forth," Atemu's voice hitched. Mahaado put his arm around Atemu, sliding along Karim's arm. "Come forth," Atemu repeated, his voice louder, stronger. Both Priests let go of their previous envy, the jealousy they had felt, joining their desire to see Atemu safe. "Come forth, Sun of God Dragon! Ra, answer my call!" The dia d'iankh shattered in a million pieces, and Karim and Mahaado yelled in surprise as the shards missed their faces by a hair's breadth. An orb of light appeared, piercing the darkness. It was so bright that Zorc had to raise his hand to shield his eyes.
"What is this?" he barked. "How is this even possible?"
"There will be..." Atemu heaved, "... always light in the darkness! No matter how big you are, no matter how strong you are... there will always be light to defeat you! Show yourself, Ra!"
The orb's shape changed. With a frustrated howl, Zorc threw his heka sphere at the orb, to no effect. Despite the sun being blocked, despite the coldness of the shadows and despite the powers of the Dark God, a warm, comforting light emerged from the orb and enveloped the Priests and the Pharaoh. The summoned kaa's bathed in the light, restoring their full strength. Kisara stood up, alongside Akunadin, the light reinvigorating them. She walked up to Set, taking his arm. Ra unfolded its mighty wings and let out a triumphant screech. As Zorc was living off of the darkness, so was Ra living off of the light in everyone's hearts. What they had gone through, had strengthened their bonds and their feelings for each other, instead of turning away from each other in disgust or hatred, as Zorc had tried to achieve. His call for the negative, dark emotions in their hearts backfired as none of the Priests were afraid of opening up anymore, showing remorse like Akunadin, bathing in the forgiveness he received, or showing love and affection like the usually unflappable High Priest, with Kisara by his side. Mana and Aishizu held hands as friends, caring for every single one of the Priests, the vizier and their Pharaoh, never judging, never condemning. Zorc growled and grumbled, unable to stop Ra from shining its light. Transformed into an awe-striking kaa, burning with fire and power, the God took off and soared high, emitting a victorious cry. Despite being at his limits, Atemu wished for the God to defeat the Darkness, and it obliged. High in the dark sky, Ra spread its wings, liquid fire against the pitch-black clouds, breathtaking in all its burning glory, the ultimate Light. The God didn't move for a few precious seconds, then it started its descent, aiming straight for Zorc.
"No, no, no!" The demon howled. He released a barrage of heka orbs and when he noticed it was to no avail, he balled his fist, trying to punch Ra in a last ditch effort. He never was able to touch the God. Ra wasn't solid anymore, only a creature of light and fire, beautiful and horrible, dramatic and deadly, and with a sickening sound, it tore Zorc in half. The intense heat incinerated his skin and Zorc screamed. He fell to the ground, defeated, flattening the last of what remained of Kuru Eruna. His body melted from the heat, taking the darkened sky with him. The sun emerged again, shining brightly as Ra flew up to it. Atemu squinted his eyes against the sun, his relief great as he could feel the caress of its light against his skin. Light, so much light, he couldn't get enough of it. His smile turned wider when he saw Osiris and Obelisk, completely restored as well, join Ra in the sky. Solemnly, the Gods looked down, bidding a farewell. It was impossible for Atemu to sustain them any longer. Zorc was gone. He had won. He could rest now. That wonderful light. If only he could bathe in it forever.
One week later
Two servants helped him to get dressed. Atemu waited patiently as they clipped the golden earrings to his earlobes and adjusted the broad, golden collar around his neck. They draped the purple cloak around his shoulders, making sure it framed him perfectly.
"We are finished, Great Pharaoh." One of the servants bowed to him.
"Thank you." The servants left the dressing room. Atemu shifted the cloak a little more over his left shoulder before walking into the large living room. His private quarters were in the middle of a drastic overhaul; a redecoration and remodeling of the existing rooms since Karim and Mahaado had... moved in with him. The workers weren't finished yet and there was quite a discussion going on what room would become what; Mahaado needed light for his heka studies and Karim preferred light to read his books, but it all came down to their same wish: to be as close as possible to Atemu, day and night. In any case, he couldn't wait to see it when it was finished; it was going to be wonderful. The living room had changed to prominently feature a large table, the previous chairs and sofas moved to the side. Mana, Mahaado and Karim were already seated, the servants putting the last of the breakfast dishes down. Mana waved cheerily, some bread crumbs sticking to her lips. Mahaado sipped a concoction of his own brewing. He looked up as Atemu entered the room; his smile was warm, fond and lovingly. Karim rose from his chair, adoration visible on his face. He pulled Atemu's chair back and fidgeted lightly with Atemu's cape while he sat down, his hand brushing past Atemu's bare arm.
"Good morning, everyone," he said.
"How are you feeling?" Mana beamed at him.
Karim passed him the bread and a bowl with figs. "Much, much better," Atemu answered. His body had taken quite the beating, suffering from the pain he felt from the Gods and the immense strain of summoning and sustaining all three of them. Atemu couldn't remember how he'd left Kuru Eruna; probably in Karim's arms. When he woke up, he was in his own bed again, safe. Mahaado put a goblet in front of him.
"To strengthen you," he said. He made sure to put more than enough honey in any of his medicinal brews to sweeten the taste. Atemu thanked him. He felt so at ease in the presence of his lovers and his best friend. Mana had accepted the change in dynamics between the two Priests and Atemu without a hitch, and she would join the breakfast table quite often, much to Atemu's delight. She passed him a bowl with grapes, encouraging him to eat the fresh fruit.
It had been a week ago that Zorc the Dark One had been defeated. Kuru Eruna was gone; the city of thieves had been destroyed at their own hands, the revenge that had lived through Bakura, their self-proclaimed King. Atemu was extremely grateful that Zorc had never reached the city or the Royal Palace, who knew how many could've perished. Everyone was recovering in his or her way, but it was hard. Shimon was incredibly upset with himself for allowing Zorc to use him, and he blamed himself for the death of Atemu's father, Akunamukanon. He couldn't recall exactly if it had been an order from Zorc or his own darkness, but he remembered handling the poison from the mandrake root. He showed great remorse and no matter how many times Atemu told him that it wasn't his fault, the elderly man couldn't forgive himself for giving in to the darkness and that it had almost cost Atemu's life as well. He begged to be discharged from the Royal Court, but Atemu didn't give him any permission. As far as he was concerned, while he still missed his father deeply, Atemu didn't hold Shimon personally responsible. The vizier had confined himself to his own quarters and Atemu made sure to visit him every day, helping him to heal. Akunadin felt similar remorse, and told Set the truth after so many years. The High Priest took the news fairly well. He had considerably mellowed out with Kisara by his side, and even though it was going to take time to see Akunadin no longer as a Priest, but as his father, he had her support and love to help him.
The King of Thieves had been laid to rest, as far as that was possible. With not much left but a pile of sand and a red coat, Atemu had ordered to bury the remains close to the destroyed village of Kuru Eruna. He didn't know what else to do; despite Bakura being consumed by hatred and revenge, Atemu was convinced that he didn't deserve such a gruesome death at the hand of the Dark God he had summoned. He genuinely hoped that the thief's soul found the rest he had lacked in his life and that the Gods had mercy on him. That was all he could do.
As Atemu leaned to the left to reach for his goblet, the Puzzle bumped against the rim of the table. Mana's kaa, she still had to come up with a name for the magician girl, had managed to collect them before Zorc was defeated and the stone slab destroyed. Atemu had returned the Items to their rightful owner, safe for Akunadin. The elderly Priest refused to wear the Eye again, and Atemu couldn't blame him. He didn't discharge him from his Court either; Akunadin would become a special advisor and stay at the Palace, so he could stay close to his son, restoring the family ties. One of these days, another Priest would come forth to be the bearer of the Eye, Atemu was sure of it.
"Do you want some more grapes?" Mana held the bowl in front of him.
"No thank you, I have enough," he said. Mahaado frowned lightly. "I am eating enough," Atemu added. "And I sleep well enough."
"Hm," was all that Karim commented. Mana giggled. Atemu took in their happy, content faces. Zorc was gone, the dark demon driven back into the shadows, but Atemu knew that his victory hadn't been definitive. Zorc would always be there, lurking, and one day he would try to regain his power. He would leech off of the darkness in people's hearts and manipulate them into resurrecting him again. Atemu cupped the Puzzle, relieved that the familiar weight was there. The Items had been created with not the best intentions, but their bearers were people able to withstand the shadows, and doing the right thing.
"What do we need to discuss for today?" Atemu asked.
"The Syrian delegates," Mahaado said and there was a collective groan at the table.
"Fear not," Karim said, "like the rest of the Kingdom, they have seen the three Gods in the sky. I'm very sure that the negotiations will go much, much smoother."
Atemu took another grape, enjoying the taste of the fruit. He was amazed at how quickly people reverted to the daily grind again, and how state affairs in the morning and public audiences in the afternoon were a staple in his life, as if nothing had happened. As if no dark God had threatened to create a realm filled with shadows and pain... He listened to his Priests talking. His Priests, yes. Karim and Mahaado were professional and adequate enough to not allow their... proximity to Atemu influence their position at the Court. Outside these private quarters they were Priests, each tasked with their own obligations and duties, and they fulfilled them as strict and punctual as always. Inside these quarters though, was a whole different matter. Here they would call him by his first name, here they would touch or kiss him, spending the evenings together. Atemu was very happy that everything had worked out so smoothly and that Mahaado and Karim had accepted each other in their relation to their Pharaoh. No more secrets, they had shared their deepest fears and insecurities, and Mahaado had told them about the Ring, the evil he had sensed, his promise to the late Pharaoh. It was a difficult moment for everyone involved, but it also relieved their hearts, that nothing was kept a secret anymore. Atemu couldn't determine who mattered more to him: the fierce Karim or the loyal Mahaado. He wanted nothing but to share his life with them for as long as it was possible. To see them, to laugh with them, to talk to them, to kiss them, to feel their hands on his body, to share everything and anything... his lips curled into a smile.
"What are you thinking of, Atemu?" Mana asked.
"How much I love you all," he answered.
"We know that," Mahaado said. "We love you too."
"What's with the eyes, Mana?"
"I've never heard my Master say something like that," she said. "It was always 'work, work, work'!"
"Now that you mention it, Mana, you need to retrieve your wand and practice summoning your kaa again," Mahaado said dryly. "I want you to be able to summon her effortlessly, not only in times of great distress."
"Yes, Master," she said sourly. "You only say this because you want to kiss Atemu before the Court starts!"
"Get out," Mahaado retorted, though his voice lacked any menace. Mana wasn't offended and sneaked a slice of bread with her before skipping away, leaving the others at the table.
"She's right, of course," Karim said, unfazed. "All right then, one kiss, Priest."
"Fine," Mahaado answered as snootily as he could muster, and he turned to Atemu.
"Do you not ask for my opinion in this matter?" he asked, hardly able to contain his laughter.
"No, not at the moment." Mahaado cupped his face, gently leaning into him for a kiss. "You like to be kissed, and I love to kiss you. What is there to ask?"
"You are right," Atemu mumbled against his lips. One kiss, then another, and it didn't take long for Karim to share the kisses. Atemu reveled in the attention, feeling loved. His loved ones, his soul mates, his everything he needed in his life, to be who he was.
"We're going to be late," Karim said, close to his left ear.
"The Pharaoh has not finished his breakfast yet," Mahaado said, close to his right ear.
"Besides, Set has requested the day off," Atemu added. "Without him, we will not be able to keep order anyway."
"Would you like me to cancel the rest of your obligations for today, oh Pharaoh?"
"It sounds awfully tempting..."
"Mana will be back soon, to continue practicing with you, Mahaado."
"My student does not need me all the time," the magician-priest protested. Atemu snickered, but then straightened himself.
"I do not like to keep Shaadah and Aishizu waiting for us. Why do we not follow Set's example and take the afternoon off? We can walk in the garden, or swim in the Nile..."
The other two agreed and stepped away from the breakfast table to gather their scrolls and papyri for the upcoming Court meeting. Atemu emptied his goblet, drinking the last of the healing liquid. His heart filled with joy, he left the table as well. Mahaado and Karim were waiting for him at the door, one more kiss and adoring looks before they became Pharaoh and Priest again, Ruler and advisors. Atemu was proud to walk through the hallway to the throne room. He was Pharaoh Atemu, son of the Gods, ruler of his nation, and during his lifetime, no darkness would be able to touch him or his homeland ever again.
End