Chapter 2

Goodbye My Egyptian Life

Charlotte

I woke up and was very surprised to find myself back in my room. Same white tiled kitchenette, mahogany black table and closet, and my silver white MacBook Air was still on the bedside table - things were exactly how I left it yesterday.

Sitting up, I leaned on the wall beside my bed and the events that occurred last night replayed in my mind. Was it a dream? No, it wasn't. It felt too real. Then, how did I get here? The last thing I could remember was me going to Manhattan and came into Long Island instead. And I was pathetically running away from bulls. Then this man... A man who - Ugh, why couldn't I remember what he looked like aside from the fact that he got curly black hair and he literally glowed...

I laughed in disbelief.

A guy... glowing? Very funny. There's no way someone can glow, right?

I just shrugged the thought off and changed into a fresh t shirt and jeans. And as always, I wore my white earphones and oak brown watch, making sure this time I won't forget the latter. When I was done, I climbed downstairs.

Expecting to see people happily mingling and minding their own businesses, I was very surprised when I was welcomed with various expressions from everyone. Some looked at me suspiciously. Others snickered. A few was smiling. And the rest were either curious or didn't care. Only one of them was different from the rest. It was Neil, my friend and... crush. He looked surprisingly sad in contrast with his usual outgoing nature.

What the...? What's going on here? Why are they looking at me like that?

Jaz was the one who talked to me first.

"So, Cha," she said with a huge smile. Too huge if you ask me. "Who was the handsome guy?"

"Huh?" I asked in confusion. I didn't have any clue to whom she was referring to. Handsome guy?

Walt, Sadie's boyfriend who also hosted the god Anubis, approached her and said, "Maybe we should tell her what happened earlier."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"Earlier?" I asked and looked at my clock. It was currently seven in the morning. When they said 'earlier' were they referring to around midnight?

"You see, we are all sleeping when someone knocked on the door. Neil opened it and he saw a guy with salt and pepper hair, which is really weird for the guy was still young, and blue eyes. He was, oh my gosh, really hot and guess what? He was carrying you bridal style!" Serena squealed with a big grin plastered on her face.

She then continued, "You were sleeping so peacefully. The guy handed you over to Neil and he explained that he saved you from a moose attack. He, surprisingly, knew you're an Egyptian magician and where you live. So, he brought you here. Neil asked who he is. The mystery man just said that it was a secret he can't reveal to us. But he said let's just call him Mr. C short for Caduceus. His reason is that his favorite thing is a caduceus. I'm seriously not surprised if he's a doctor!"

Serena took a deep breath and looked at me curiously, "So, now that you know the situation, tell us e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g!" She made sure to step closer towards me every time she enunciate a letter of that word which in turn made me slowly step back in response.

"Umm…" I just said, still indecisive as to what I can and can't say to them. I didn't want to tell them that I violated one of the Ancient Laws... And that guy was just a passerby who saved my life. And for that, I was grateful to him. It sucks that I don't know who he was at all.

"Umm…" the crowd repeated, eager to know what I would say.

I sighed. Better to tell them the truth.

"Look," I confessed and rambled on. "I don't know who that guy was. All I know is that he saved my life and I have to thank him. And oh, not to mention that we met when I was on my way to Manhattan. Yeah I know. I violated one of the Ancient Laws." I added the last two sentences casually. Too laid back as if the whole thing wasn't a big deal.

Half of the crowd gasped. I told them everything I knew and what I did. I explained how I sneaked out of the mansion, walked on the streets to Manhattan, got lost, saw this guy who will later save me, got chased by a moose, and how he saved me. I left out the part where I realized that Greek mythology was also real just like Egyptian since I don't want to cause unnecessary panic.

When I was done, someone cleared a throat and I turned my back. Standing there with his arms crossed while looking at me with a very stern and disappointed look was none other than Amos Kane.

I am so dead.

He was a great man but he took his duty as the head of the House of Life very seriously and he hardly made exceptions.

He pointed to the library and I immediately knew what he was saying. We were going to talk. Uh oh. This isn't good.

I followed and sat across him. And the interrogation started.

"Did you or did you not just go to Manhattan last night?" the barrel-shaped man asked as he took a sip of his coffee.

"I did go there," I confessed honestly. It was true anyway. There was no use in lying. Events of what happened last night once again conquered my thoughts. And now that I was reminiscing it for the nth time, it was fun. Despite the dangerous and unlucky circumstances I experienced, in the end, I was happy. Curly black hair flashed in my mind making me smile. And I was able to meet this wonderful guy.

That was why I, without any hesitation, stated, "But I don't regret it."

He furrowed an eyebrow, "Even if I take away your Egyptian magic?"

I heard a gasp and I looked at the door. Sounds of hushed whispers were heard next. I immediately knew that there were eavesdroppers crowding outside the door.

Turning my attention back to Amos and hoping that I heard wrong, I asked, "P-Pardon?"

"You heard me," Amos said as he stood up, declaring our talk was already over and there was no more room for discussion. "In two hours, you should be ready to leave. I'm so sorry, Charlotte. You're one of the strongest water elementalists I have ever seen but you not only failed me, but also Tefnut and the whole Egyptian pantheon."

And with that, he turned his back and left me sitting there in disbelief. All those years of training and bringing honor to the whole Egyptian pantheon by defeating an evil goddess went down the drain. All those hard work... and this is what they'll give me in return? It was just a simple Ancient Law!

But I know deep in my heart that no matter how much I mentally reasoned out my side, I know one thing: law is law. Even if it's small, simple or unreasonable, it's still absolute. And I broke it.

Accepting the truth of being kicked out of the Egyptian world, negative thoughts filled my mind. I wouldn't be able to cast magic again. I wouldn't see my friends again. I wouldn't see Tefnut again.

I remained silent, reflecting. I hate it when I disappoint people who believe in me.

I failed. I just bowed my head in shame as tears started to drop.

"I'm so sorry, Tefnut. I really am", I thought.

"It's alright, my dear. Remember that even though you're not my host anymore, I'll still watch over you." Tefnut answered.

Unable to say anything for my emotions were overwhelming, I just nodded in reply and went out of the library. As soon as I stepped out, I was greeted by a gloomy environment. It was like I suddenly went into the middle of a rainstorm complete with dark clouds, thunder and lightning - the whole entourage.

My heart sank because of the scene in front of me. Many people were also upset by my abrupt banishment.

I glanced at the corner, near where the kitchen was, and instantly regretted that I did. If most of the aura around was heavy, in that small corner where five petite and arrogant girls stood, I could mistake its aura as a newly-risen sun. Fleur smirked at me as soon as our eyes met.

Of course they'd be overjoyed. There would be no one to stand in their way. There would be no one who'll be antagonistic towards them. Fleur would get everything I worked hard for - be the next over-all head of the elementalist division, and... Neil.

I just sighed.

This sucks. A lot.

I continued to look around more, hoping to see him. I wonder what his reaction was. Oh dear Ra, I hope he's sad too.

I finally found him near the staircase to the second floor. He was sitting on the third step, his back leaned against the wall and his hazelnut eyes just staring at the floor. His black hair covered half of his lightly tanned face. His aura at that moment was dark, negative emotions swirled around it and I was able to determine two of them: anger and distress.

Well, at least that means he cares for me if he's down about it, right? But... his mood had been sour even before my banishment...

I just sighed. I guess I should start packing up.

Making sure not to accidentally step on Neil, I made my way back to my room and start packing my things.

After an hour or so, I was breathing heavily as I gaze at my two luggage bags. Darn it. I should really consider getting some exercise and not having too many books. I swear to God 80% of my luggage are composed of reading materials!

I gaze at my room, trying to make sure to memorize everything. This is it. I'll be saying goodbye to the place where I spent most of my four years into. As I looked at the empty bookshelves and the barren walls, gently recalling the time where they were filled with books and anime posters were plastered everywhere; a sad smile made its way on my face.

Goodbye, my beloved room.

I threw my trolleys in the Duat and made my way downstairs. As soon as my foot reached the last step of the staircase, I was crashed by a bunch of hugs. Some people were tearing up, saying how much they'll miss me while others stayed silent, just watching us with melancholic eyes.

I had grown fond to them. They were my family aside from the one I have back home. And leaving those who became part of my life is really hard.

"Don't cry, everyone." I said. "One day, we'll all meet again and if Ra lets me, I'll come and visit!"

"Is that true?" Jaz asked. She was my best friend so leaving her is really hard for me too. "Promise us!"

"I promise!" I exclaimed with a smile.

The last person to say goodbye was Neil, my first guy friend and... crush. I swear to Ra if you tell him that, before you can open your mouth and say "crush", you're already on your way to meeting Anubis.

He hugged me and I returned it back. I inhaled and as always, he smelled like the cool and calm breeze blowing over a beautiful meadow with the sun softly casting its rays around. Instantly, my shoulders relaxed as I sighed in contentment. Ra knows how much I'll miss this guy and how much it breaks my heart to know that I won't ever see him again.

After a while, he released me and gripped both of my shoulders. Determined eyes stared into my widened eyes. W-What's going on? Why is he looking at me like that? And is it just me or did it suddenly get hot?

"Charlotte." The deep sound of my name resonated throughout the room.

"Yes?" I accidentally squeaked out. Oh my Ra, this guy is looking at me very intensely. Neil should be an elementalist specialized in fire instead of wind.

"I'll train hard and do my best to grow powerful enough to get permission to go back to the Philippines. Till that time comes, will you wait for me?" He asked softly in contrast to his burning eyes.

Squeals were heard around led by Serena of course and some were curious to my answer. On the corner of my eyes, I saw Fleur and her two other friends go upstairs, away from the commotion.

My eyes widened. Was he implying that he...?

I was about to reply when suddenly, time froze still. No one was moving and I realized that I was the only one not affected.

Then my surroundings turned black.

A luxurious and elegant bedroom greeted me as soon as I opened my eyes. Floor to ceiling glass walls, a king sized bed, a beautiful mahogany night stand- Wait, are those real fishes? Apparently, this room is underwater since you can see all different wildlife found in the ocean in the whole world.

I carefully put my right hand on the glass and continued watching in awe. It's just so mesmerizing. I don't know all of the names of the fishes but looking at this view, it makes me want to memorize them and point it out one by one as soon as I see them swim by.

Suddenly, two dangerous fishes caught my attention. A-Are those piranha and shark?! I immediately stepped back away from the glass.

In the far end of the room, there was a lake where a voluptuous woman in late twenties was relaxing. Even though she was submerged in the water, she wasn't wet at all. Normally, that would surprise a lot of people but not in my case. I know who she was after all.

"Join me, Charlotte," Tefnut said and I immediately joined in, not bothering to remove my clothes. It won't get wet anyway and besides, I'm not a fan of taking a bath with other people. I want my privacy, after all.

Looking at the goddess who hosted me for four years, I smiled for she still looked the same when I first met her. Same black hair and kohl on her eyes; and that flowing and long blue Egyptian linen dress that reached up to her ankles. Various gems were plastered on her head resembling a crown, put together by thin golden strings.

The first time we met, her dark eyes were in worry. Well that was a normal reaction considering the fact that she saved me from this evil goddess who almost burned me to death.

I'm glad this time, her eyes were lit up and a warm smile was on her face.

"So, what's up?" I just asked as I swam around. Ahh, this is really relaxing. I really love water that's why when she asked me to join in, I didn't hesitate at all. A sigh of contentment escaped my lips. This is a nice getaway from all of the stress I'm currently experiencing in the mortal world.

"I called you here to properly say goodbye." She said and gently waved her hand. Blue sparks appeared for a while before it transformed into a golden bracelet which softly landed on her hand. She then gave it to me and I marveled at how beautiful it was. Ancient hieroglyphics were engraved on it. Darn it. I've never been that good in hieroglyphics. For some unknown reason, I can only understand a few of them. It was like my brain wasn't wired for the Egyptian writing. That's why, even though I'd love to know what the words meant, I couldn't.

Aside from the writing, wave patterns were also engraved on it. I clasped it on my right wrist and surprisingly, it wasn't heavy as I thought it would be. It's pretty lightweight and I can easily move my wrist around as if though I'm not wearing anything.

"That is my parting gift to you for being my first host. Be sure to wear it wherever you go." She stated. "Thank you for all of your services, Charlotte Wilson. I hope that one day, we may see each other again." A beautiful smile graced her features and I returned the gesture. I then gave her a hug before she disappeared.

When I reappeared back in the mansion, a bone crashing group hug welcomed me. But the happiness was short lived since a clear of throat was heard. Immediately, everyone went to the side and gave space to the Head of the House of Life.

I gulped. This is it.

"In five minutes, you're going to leave, understand?" He asked.

A nod was my reply.

"I will now remove your magic and memories which will make you a normal mortal once again." He raised his hand and pointed at me with two fingers and his thumb. It was an old gesture like a make believe gun except the thumb was paralleled to the ground.

My heart broke. I don't care about the magic but the thought that I'll forget everyone was really devastating. I looked at everyone with teary eyes that mirrored my own. I won't be able to keep my promise...

Neil... I don't want to forget Neil or anyone else around here.

"From now on, you'll never see this mansion again unless Fleur or one of her friends invites you; or you're more powerful than this mansion, which I highly doubt." Amos stated. "Once this is done, you'll find yourself to the airport with a ticket on hand, including all of your luggages."

Fleur and her friends smirked as hieroglyphs glowed around me. I just sighed. Oh well. I just have to accept the consequences of my actions. It was an ancient law, after all.

I was ready to accept my fate but then, before the hieroglyphs formed a circle around me, it suddenly stopped and disappeared. My eyes widened and I heard gasps from all around the room.

The magic didn't completely erase my magic and my memories! Yes! Thank you so much, Tefnut!

Amos was bewildered and wondered what was going on when Fleur yelled, "It's because of the bracelet!"

All eyes were on my jewelry and I noticed that the hieroglyphs engraved on it glowed brightly. A smile made its way on my face. I'm really grateful to Tefnut.

"Impossible." Amos stated as he took my hand, examining it. He even tried to remove it but the bracelet glowed and water sprayed on his face.

Don't laugh. Don't you dare laugh, Charlotte. This isn't the right time.

But still, a short laugh escaped my lips and I quickly disguised it with a cough as the man raised his eyebrow at me.

He then frowned and used a handkerchief he always kept in his breast pocket to wipe his face.

"Five minutes is up." Amos ordered, "Now go."

"Err but you still completely removed all of my powers and memories," I stated, my brows furrowed in worry. But deep inside, I was leaping with joy. Ha! I'm the winner~

"No buts." He just said and sighed. "Just go."

He then left and Fleur, together with her minions, followed.

I gave everyone one last smile. "Goodbye." And closed my eyes. Winds blew all around me and when everything was silent, I opened my eyes and saw that I'm in the airport, my bags surrounded me.

I took a deep breath. I'll definitely go back to the mansion. I promised, after all. I just don't know when or how I'll be able to do that.

Oh well. For now, I'll just go back to my home country, the Philippines, and figure out what I'm going to do later.

Ahh, I wish something extraordinary will happen to me when I get back. Normal mundane life never seemed to fit me.


Here's a brief explanation for the characters:

Charlotte Wilson - A blood of the pharaoh and once hosted Tefnut. She was an elementalist specialized in water and was the head of the elementalist division. She's a half-Filipino and half-American and loves unique things. She's very imaginative and known for her will and determination.

Neil Cruz - He hosts Shu, the husband of Tefnut and the Egyptian god of the winds. He's also an elementalist specialized in air and the second in command in the elementalist division after Charlotte. He's a Filipino and loves food. He's very smart and once loved to annoy Charlotte but that changed when he realized his true feelings for her.

Fleur Grand - She's an elementalist specialized in fire and a rival of Charlotte. She's half-Filipino and half-French. She's very girly and bossy. She also likes Neil and always flirts with him but the guy just ignores her. She loves it when she wins over Charlotte.

Jaz - Short for Jasmine. Jaz is a character from The Throne of Fire; and a healer. She is from Nashville. She is said to have light blond hair and bright blue eyes. She is following the path of Sehkmet.

Walt - (Age 14) He is a character from The Throne of Fire; and a charm-maker. He is from Seattle, Washington. Is said to have dark brown skin, black hair in a buzz cut, and dark brown eyes. He is a descendant of Akenaten and slowly dying because of a curse. He has feelings for Sadie, who is torn between him and Anubis. Sadie mistakenly thinks he is in love with Jaz (A/N: Me too) when she saw them holding hands. But in reality, he is just asking for Jaz's help to heal him.

Serena Hale - A very beautiful blue eyed girl. She got a pale complexion and blonde hair. She's a self-proclaimed love expert that wants her friends and loved ones to be happy in their love lives. An American gal that has proven that she's indeed a love expert for she has a very loving boyfriend for five years. There are even rumors circulating around that once they grew up and got out of the mansion, the guy will propose to her.