D.H. A.N.: Alright, Rite of Heritage is serving two purposes. The first purpose is to improve my duel writing skills. The second is to explain where that prize money mentioned in Chapter Two of PDTO came from. This story is dedicated to: (This is a long list, so bear with me) Adelianna, Crystal Rose of Pollux, Failingwithstyle, Ghost Wulf, GlimerOfhope, kagomeotilia, Kelekiah Galadrian, Luna Silvereyes, rebelmewpheonix, sunnyplace123, Yami Revea, and you. I hope you like it.
Prologue: The Untold War
It was cold, and dark, yet it was warm and familiar, yet different as well. I had been there before, but when, that was the detail I was unsure of. I am certain that it is not in this time and era, nor was it five millennia ago; the war of that era was an outer war that was apparent . No this was a social war, fought underground, fought somewhat within social standards, a silent war, and yet it was a war which only one side could win. I may not know that much about both sides of my own lineage, but am certain that if it was a war that took place where my mind says it did, that it's only a matter of time before the event repeats itself within this era, and if I am called upon, will I be ready?
Another vision of that mysterious event had brought Mheralo Ishtar to ponder on this issue. "If it was an outer war, it would surely be in my Egyptology book, but all I can find that even hints at what I've been seeing, is a minor mention of a clash of two noble families during the reign of the ruler after the mysterious Pharaoh who has just discovered how to unlock his memories." She sighed, loathing her recent insomnia streak. If it wasn't that vision it was another that would wake her. She jumped almost two feet when three sharp knocks resounded on the door. Why does my father insist on knocking like that?
"Because you and I both know that is how to discern that it is me knocking. You forget that it's been that way for years, Mheralo." Mhera could almost picture a smirk on her father's face with those words.
And why does he keep intruding upon my thoughts?
"Same reason I had before the tournament. Because I sometimes don't trust what your words have told me. You have heard that before." He paused. "You have been seeing these visions almost nightly now. Ever think of a change of scenery?"
Mhera tugged a lock of her auburn hair away from her left eye, somewhat trudging to the door, her bare feet indicating that she was indeed trudging. She had been thinking about a scenery change, but without monetary, or reasonable means, it would just remain a wishful thought. She sighed opening the door for her father to enter.
"Same vision?" Her father's somewhat icy amethyst eyes seemed to ask. Mhera's own deep amethyst eyes seemed to answer the question with a resounding "yes."
It had become a nightly ritual for Marik Ishtar to check on his daughter, because the last thing he wanted was to abandon her after the torrent she had been through since Battle City. Mhera sat on the bed, and Marik took the chair, same as normal. He sighed bitterly, knowing that he would have to be patient, as this wasn't the first time he had heard these concerns.
"The only thing that could make this worse is if you and Keimo argue. I'd leave then." Mhera leaned back on her pillow.
"You're right, but that shouldn't happen anymore." He said softly, after which he changed the subject. "So, what have these visions entailed? I don't doubt that they are recurring, but has there been anything sharpen in detail, or dawned on you?" Marik waited for an answer.
"All I see is that it's a war, but yet it is not a war of the same proportions as the one that the Pharaoh stopped. It's a secret and semi- silent war. The only thing that I don't get is" Mhera grabbed the book from her bedside, quickly flipping through the pages. " The book mentions a clash of two families." – she pointed at the text which she had placed between them-"But it's only mentioned once and the mention is not what I would call helpful." Mhera ran her hands through her auburn hair worriedly. "But these visions; they're like the ones I had when I was five."
"You mean the ones that you didn't tell me about until they had already happened?" Marik asked, coolly raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. These visions have the same angle as those of ten years ago. They're detailed enough that you can get a basic idea of what's happening, and yet, they don't give you the whole story." Mhera was hesitant "But while those visions only happened once, this one has kept occurring."
"There may be something at the exhibit that might help." Marik suggested.
"I really don't want to go there again. The last two times I've gone, a fiasco has started, both of which I was principle in causing." Mhera spoke softly
"No. You were a cause of neither incident, and you know that. It's another reason you won't go. Tell me why." Marik was calm in his tone.
"I'm scared of what I'll find, if I find anything. If it was a silent war, my visions would clarify it."
"Those who see visions without the aid of the Millennium Necklace are very few. You forget, Mheralo, that the purposes of visions differ. At times they forewarn, yet other times they are symbolic of something. If you want my honest opinion, it's a little of both, and you need to go and visit the exhibit tomorrow, the stone tablets may bear some silent witness. Perhaps then you will understand." Marik consoled with a sincere smile. He then started to leave.
"I'll go first thing in the morning." Mhera softly said.
"Father?" Her voice was stronger this time.
Marik stopped, and turned to face his daughter."Yes?"
"Why do you take such interest in my troubles, and in trying to fix them?" She waited for her father's answer.
"Once again, it is for a reason that I have given you earlier. That my duty as your father has been forgotten lately, and that role should come first." Marik said through the telepathic bond while his eyes showed sincerity.
"That's a relief. Thanks, hopefully after tomorrow, I won't keep you up." Mhera reasoned.
"You know it's no burden on me, Mheralo" Marik said calmly as he left the room.
D.H.: Well, that's the prologue. This story is not schmaltzy fluff, at least not all of it is. I hope you like it. Please review. There is a quote from Healing Presence in this chapter. I used almost the same description around it. See if you can spot it. First Chapter: The Museum visit, a letter, and the first step to another fiasco in Chapter One: The Silent War Renewed. Please review, and ask questions; I'll be happy to answer them.