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A Twist In Time
You Can't Stop Me!
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"Just gimme five more minutes…" Mimi grunted and positioned herself back to sleep.
"But, my lady. You must get up." Sora said with a gentle voice, shaking her softly on the shoulders. But all she received as answer was a snore. A loud one – one that really wasn't appropriate…
"My lady, we don't have much time. We are nearly approaching the – " but her words were cut when Mimi snored again.
Sora sighed.
How in the world will everyone believe that this woman would be the Princess of Rome? She remembered how Miritis explained her plan after they had fetched her in the desert. She opposed to the idea of switching places with the real one, knowing that it would be risky, but seeing her distressed friend marrying someone else was heartbreaking enough and she gave in.
Now she cursed herself to be in this mess.
'That girl can't even sleep normal!' Sora sweat dropped as she watched the position the princess look-alike was sleeping. It was really not a sight on how a real princess should do; yet Sora silently wondered how that girl could be comfortable sleeping like that.
Mimi's body was face down on the bench, head to the side as one arm went hanging over her head. Her other arm hung limp, nearly touching the floor. Her hair was tossed in every direction – part on the pillow she was laying and a part covered her face, making the tiara hanging sideways.
As for the rest… Mimi's mouth fell wide open and Sora almost ''eeked' when she saw a drool reaching the side of her cheek.
'We are sooo going to die.' she finally concluded.
XxXxX
It was nearly morning. The sun was slowly appearing from the horizon, ready to welcome the new day. But for the young Pharaoh, who watched the sun from his balcony, wished he had the power to delay it. ' For another century or two…'
This new day would become the start of his nightmare and maybe also his downfall. He was going to meet his new wife today, the woman who will become the new queen of Egypt – the one who would be by his side while he ruled. Her name would be engraved on stone tablets each time new things would happen - like announcing their newborn child for example…
Yanhamu shuddered and groaned at the thought.
Why were the Gods against him? Wasn't it enough already to rule over Egypt? He didn't really need a wench right now. He was making it fine on his own.
'But nooo, does she listen? Of course not!' Yanhamu grunted deeper, thinking about his mother who was probably looking forward to this day.
"Your Highness?" a voice suddenly asked on the other side of the chamber doors.
"What is it, Jyou?" Yanhanmu replied to his High Priest.
He really wasn't in the mood to see or talk to anyone right now. It was already bad enough this would be the last day he would be at peace since he was going to share his room with his future wife.
"I'm sorry to announce this to your Highness, but the Princess has reached the gates of the city already. They would be arriving shortly." Jyou bowed, even though the Pharaoh couldn't see it, "I came here to escort you, your Highness."
At the same time Jyou spoke, the young Pharaoh watched the royal gates open to let a carriage trough. He was surprised to see no guards behind. He expected to see it more secured since thieves lurked around the desert most of the time. But nonetheless, the wench has come.
"Then let her come." Yanhamu silently whispered, "Let us see if she is worthy to be my wife. "
XxXxX
"My lady, you can't honestly mean that!!" Sora did everything in her power to hold her down, but the girl below her shrieked in panic.
It took Sora forever to wake her and when she finally did, Sora wished she hadn't done it in the first place. It took Mimi a moment or two to finally notice her environment and slowly comprehend the situation she was in. Sora watched how one moment she was blabbering about museums and a bastard, when the next she jumped right up, ready to get out of the carriage. But Sora was right there to catch her before she did anything stupid.
Mimi wanted to get out of here.
Fast.
No matter where she would land, it would be ten times better than the situation she was in right now. She had somehow hoped that when she would sleep, it could still be a dream, but no, she was indeed trapped inside a world she probably couldn't get out from. She had guessed that fate was playing a part in it, since it was rather unexplainable to land here in the first place. But the worse moment was when she replayed the event from last night and actually agreed – she was going to marry the Pharaoh!
And that's where we see Sora trapping Mimi to the floor from letting her escape.
'What in the world did I say yes again?! WHY? WHY?!'
She was so not going to marry anyone yet and certainly not a Pharaoh for that matter!
'"No! No! No! I don't want to marry!" Mimi responded furiously. "You can't make me!"
"But, my lady - "
And before Sora could finish her sentence, she saw how Mimi quickly got out of her grip, opened the door and was ready to jump out, but her actions halted when the carriage pulled itself to a stop, making her fall backwards and hitting Sora in the process. Mimi, seeing that Sora wasn't paying attention to her, took this opportunity to jump out – only to be caught a moment later by a hand who held her still.
"Let me go!" Mimi had enough and turned around only to see the other person from last night.
"My lady?" Ken asked, "Is something the matter?"
Mimi turned around and yelled, "Y-you can't make me… I – I can't do this!"
"My lady?"
"I don't know why I said yes to the princess! I guess I just couldn't say no to her since I don't want to see her sad either, but… I can't. I just can't. I know that I am a coward to back up now, but…"
She silently pleaded they would let her go, silently wished she could get out of this nightmare. "Please… don't make me go there…" her eyes were shielded from his view, making it impossible to see the emotions it held inside, but her voice was enough to know.
Ken was taken aback. How the hell could he say anything? He was never trapped in this kind of situation before and making her look exactly like the real one felt more awkward. Princess Miritis was never really that open with him. She mostly confounded her secrets to Sora, so he didn't really know what kind of support she needed or the words to make her feel better.
He wasn't stupid enough to know that it was impossible to see someone looking a lot alike the princess, but somehow there she stood, talking, pleading to him. Even if they looked the same they had different minds, different ways of doing.
And now he was going to help? How?
'Where was Sora when you need her?'
Ken heaved a long sigh and watched the girl. He should say something. Somehow it broke him to see her like that.
Softly he answered her, "I honestly don't know what to say to make this situation any less painful for you, but if I may, my lady, I think that leaving this place right now is not really an option." He said silently, "If we leave now, bad things might happen to all of us, either here or back in Rome. We cannot let that happen, my lady."
He slowly saw her shiver even though it was burning hot outside.
'I really suck at this…' he growled to himself while scratching the back of his head.
Sora came behind him, placing a hand on Ken's shoulder, sensing him tense. They both looked at each other before back to the girl.
"My lady, we both don't see you as a coward, in fact, you're a kind person who is unselfish to give her own freedom to help the princess. We expected you to have this kind of reaction after waking up. We know that you are quite uncomfortable with the condition, but please don't think about leaving just yet. If you do we can all get killed for not following the orders of an arranged marriage." Sora acknowledged her and then she silently whispered, "Even though, the story about you coming from another time is rather disturbing and what I think is quite weird, but…" she looked up at Ken, " we will do our best to get you out of here, my lady."
Mimi glanced a both of them. "W-what?"
"Well, while you were sleeping, we tried to understand how it must have felt landing someplace unknown, then switching places with someone that resembles you and finally, you agreed marrying the Pharaoh without giving much thought…" Sora replied, " I-I know I couldn't do it…"
"So that is why we vowed we would protect you, my lady. You scarified yourself for the princess, the least we can do is bring you back to the world you're living in." Ken continued on, "I don't think you deserve any of this, but –"
" – Please, just get along with the Pharaoh" Sora exclaimed, almost scared. "Until then we will do anything to help you out of here."
"B-But why? What would happen to you guys?" Even though this is what she had wanted, going back home, she didn't want her conscience to haunt her after. "I know not much of these traditions, but I am certain that servants aren't allowed much and they could get –"
"Killed? Oh, yes, we know what could happen to us, my lady." Ken replied, but he gave her a small, but reassuring smile. "Please don't worry about us. We will be fine."
Mimi looked at Sora who nodded. "It's okay. Come on, they are waiting for us." Sora announced to them. "It is quite improper to let them wait so long."
It was then that Mimi looked at her surroundings. Never in her entire life would she believe to see this. She remembered a long time ago how she visited Egypt. While seeing all them in ruins, she often wondered how it actually looked like at that time, and now, it almost felt like a dream. She was sure that every archeologist would just die to be in her place. All the treasures, still untouched by thieves or any other person, were maybe still hidden underneath this magnificent place.
It was hard for the brunette to believe it, but she was now looking at one of the most famous and elaborate civilizations of all time and in its prime condition. It was without a doubt, the most spectacular sight she had ever seen.
And yet…
When she turned around, she noticed the palace. Massive bricks and gigantic columns were placed to support it. The sun's rays made the palace shine as it reflected the white walls. Guards filled the entrance and that's when that Mimi noticed the huge stairway. It was the only thing now that was in between before finally meeting the Pharaoh.
Glancing at her two companions who gave small nods, she knew that she couldn't turn back now.
'I mean… it's not like I will really get married? Is it? Hell who will believe me anyway?!'
Sora and Ken watched as they saw how she hesitated taking the first step. "It's okay, my lady. We won't leave you." Sora assured her. Mimi smiled. At least she wasn't t alone now. She had two people to count on. Even though they just met, Mimi sensed that she knew them for a long time. Maybe it was because of the connection of her ancestor, maybe because they were the only ones believing her – whatever it was…
She trusted them.
XxXxX
Yanhamu groaned while he sat on his throne. It would be just a matter of seconds now before finally meeting the wench – and he didn't like it. It was like torture to him. The more he waited, the more he got anxious and irritated.
'She probably fell from the stairs, broke a leg and got her face smashed up…' a small curve appreared at the corner of his mouth – this way they could delay the wedding for another day or two...
'Nah, the Gods are against me today, they wouldn't give me the satisfaction…'
The palace was filled with servants and people of higher ranks, all waiting impatiently to see their new queen. Music filled the room, but it didn't match the Pharaoh's mood.
"I heard that women coming from the north are rather disgusting, have bad breath and have large front teeth."
Yanhamu rolled his eyes at his best friend, grinning like an idiot by his side. At least he wasn't the only one making fun of the girl that still has to appear.
"I hope not, yet I don't really care about it." Yanhamu responded, only for his friend to hear when he glanced at the other priests around him and furthermore, his own mother, "I just want to get over this ridiculous thing and get on with my life."
"Aren't you a little afraid of what she might look like?" Taichi whispered back, "She could be ugly, so ugly that not even one single man would want to see her."
Yanhamu shook his head, "I don't care. As long as she stays out of my way." Yanhamu responded coldly. "She will just be busy with activities as a queen while I have mine. We will be separated while I go expand the kingdom and guiding our people. It doesn't matter to me how she looks, we won't see much of each other except here, dinner and in the evening."
'And maybe even then, maybe I'll make myself so busy to avoid her as much as possible…'
Suddenly the royal gates inside the room opened, revealing three individuals. All eyes were set on them as the music continued to play on the background. Slowly and gradually, they walked inside, eyes watching their every movement.
'…About time you showed up, wench.' Yanhamu positioned himself so that he leaned back in his throne, making him comfortable. One arm rested against the side, while the other supported his head, cupping his chin with his hand. Yes, even if he said he didn't care about how she would look like, it didn't hurt to give a comment now, would it? After all, she would become the queen.
XxXxX
Mimi felt naked.
She was used to see an audience around her, staring and asking frequent questions, but this – this was soooo not the same. It was like they watched, peered into her very core in a way that made her so vulnerable and lost. It was eerie and it felt absolutely awkward to say the least.
While taking long and cautious steps forward, afraid to embarrass herself, she took this moment to glance against the corner of her eye. They were looking at her intently, probably watching how creamy white she must look against their tanned skins, and maybe also the way they were clothed. Most of them were all dressed in white, while golden necklaces and earrings were held as accessories, marking their status in society.
'Those look awfully expensive…' Mimi noted, and when she looked up she noticed the room they were in. It was immense. The place was wide enough to fit a castle inside. The ceiling, which was supported by gigantic columns, was decorated with elegant paintings till the walls. They used gold; red, blue and green to brighten up the place. Different kinds of Gods were portrayed with the previous Pharaohs along with inscriptions.
And at the back of the royal room was where her destination lay. The royal platform, painted in gold and filled with gems, was the throne where the Pharaoh himself sat. There was one woman standing at his left, while three other men were on his right, all patiently awaiting them to come forward.
And when she was a few meters away, she bowed out of courtesy and her companions followed, yet she didn't had the courage to look up at the man sitting in his throne. What does princess do in this kind of situation? Should she wait so that he would begin or -
"I welcome you, princess." The voice of the Pharaoh said, "I am honored to meet you on this fateful day. I hope that your voyage was pleasant and that nothing bad happened while journeying across the desert."
Mimi somehow recognized the voice – it sounded so familiar…
"I do hope that everything will be at your liking and if you need –"
"YOU!" Mimi suddenly shouted.
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To Be Continued
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A/N: I know this was a short one, but hey, I got to do something to bring up some suspense. Thank you again for your wonderful reviews and support! I know that it has been ages before I finally would update. I hope I haven't lost my touch since it has been too long. (years ) But, yeah, anyway, hope you liked this chapter. Don't forget to review and if you have any ideas or wish to see something happen (either more drama of more bickering) it will be up to you guys and of course, the reviews. So keep 'em coming! So, no review, no update!
Please don't forget to vote the poll posted on my account-page. Please vote one or two stories you wish me to continue first. It will make it easier for me to focus my attention on. Note that only those who have an account can vote, if you are unable to, please note it on your review. Thanks
This chapter was dedicated for Nikki-chan, who felt down yesterday. I hope that I made you better with this chappie! Now, don't forget to review, eh?
- aoi senshi
