Curse of Amun-Ra
Chapter 6: Premonition
Sy gripped onto his boyfriend's hand tightly as they descended the steep slope toward the village. There were pillars all around the outskirts of the area that loomed over them. There were people walking around and speaking in a different tongue and they didn't appear to have noticed them.
"Jaden, where are we?" Sy asked fearfully, pushing closer to him.
The taller boy just shook his head. "I'm not sure, Sy. I wonder where the others went…"
Sy looked around curiously and saw that there were booths with gold and other items being sold. Everything looked so real and felt real…but how was it possible? He hoped that his brother was alright.
At that moment, the people around them started shouting and gesturing to an area ahead. Then everyone started running quickly.
"Come on, let's follow them!" Jaden exclaimed, pulling Sy harshly.
The smaller boy was dragged along behind him as they ran. Following the villagers, they came to the tall palace structure which was in the center of the village. Immediately, the palace gates opened and a tall, slim young man stepped out. He was dressed in purple satin robes that flowed around his body and dragged on the ground. He had gold and jewels around his neck and even a crown on his head. Sy had no doubt that this person was special.
"Pharaoh!" the people suddenly exclaimed, bowing deeply.
Sy blinked in confusion. He could suddenly understand them. Or were they suddenly speaking English? He wasn't sure, but either way he stepped up cautiously beside Jaden. The pharaoh raised his arms high and the people kept their heads bowed.
"My people!" the pharaoh bellowed. "Today is a day which everyone will remember. A traitor is amongst us!"
Gasps rang out all around them and Sy glanced around nervously. He wasn't sure what was going on but he had a feeling it wasn't good.
"A man—a fellow brother of us has desecrated my father's tomb and has stolen a sacred amulet!" the pharaoh spoke angrily. "This amulet is what protects the line of the pharaohs! Without it, we will parish! Fear not, though for this man has been caught!"
Sy gasped loudly as what appeared to be a man in tattered robes, with many cuts and bruises and a cloth over his head came in view. He was being dragged by several bulky men who were dressed similarly to the pharaoh. Instinctively, Sy clenched his boyfriend's hand tighter.
"For disturbing a former pharaoh's tomb and trying to steal a valuable item he will be punished with the worst of deaths—the Amun-Ra!"
Cheers and yells rang out throughout the crowd and Sy felt his whole chest tighten. He couldn't tear his eyes away no matter how desperately he wanted to. The man was pulled forward roughly and placed in front of the pharaoh. Sy wanted to look away—he wanted it all to stop. He tried to tug his boyfriend away but Jaden wouldn't budge; his eyes were fixed on the scene before him, as if hypnotized.
"Jaden! Jaden!" Sy exclaimed, tugging on him again.
"Now he will be punished for all eternity!" the pharaoh shouted.
The man was pinned down with ropes as the pharaoh hovered above him. The guards handed him jugs of black goop and Sy watched with terror-filled eyes as the black gunk was poured over the man's nearly bare body. The man screeched in pain and Sy realized it was hot tar being poured on him. He shook his head, stepping backward.
Make it stop! I don't want to see this!
His mind was screaming and his eyes were filling with tears. The man screamed even louder in agony as the tar was being peeled off of him roughly, along with slabs of his flesh. The villagers were cheering and Sy's eyes leaked with tears. The pharaoh was kicking him all the while, adding even more pain. Suddenly, one of the guards tore the last of his clothing off. His nether regions were still in tact, but one of the guards grabbed him between the legs and pulled out a dagger.
"STOP!" Syrus screeched loudly as even more tears fell.
Sy closed his eyes tightly hearing the man's throaty howl and screams as he was castrated. He couldn't bear to open his eyes…he wouldn't! The voices had all suddenly stopped. Sy shakily removed his hands from his face and gasped at what he saw. The man, who was bleeding profusely with flesh hanging off his bones and globs of tar still attached to him, lay still. The pharaoh and the others were staring down at him wordlessly, as if suddenly frozen. An arm moved and Sy's eyes widened in disbelief. The man was still alive?
Suddenly, his bony fingers moved and he slowly began to drag his body forward. Syrus was trembling violently as he dragged himself down the stairs and past some of the villagers. Sy was completely paralyzed as the figure crawled in his direction. He stepped back and quickly reached out for Jaden's hand and suddenly only felt air. Turning his head in shock, he saw that Jaden had completely vanished.
"No," Sy whispered, backing away as the tortured man came closer. "No, stop! Please!"
His body wracked with sobs and he stumbled backward, trying to get away from the bleeding man. Just then the man stopped moving and between the cracking of his bones he began to stand. Sy was rigid with fear but there was no where else for him to run. The man's fingers suddenly stretched out for him and Sy screamed. The hand lashed out and grabbed his arm painfully. It pulled him forward and Sy let out another fearful scream as he lost balance and was dragged across the ground.
The man suddenly began shaking his arm with such force he thought his wrist would break.
"STOP IT!" Sy sobbed. "Jaden!"
"The key…," a cold voice suddenly hissed.
Sy's eyes widened as he glanced up at the man whose head was still covered by the bag.
"Give…me…," he hissed.
"I don't have it!" Sy screamed. "Jaden! Where are you?"
The man suddenly laughed a throaty, unusual laugh. He raised a bony, bloody arm and Sy's eyes caught sight of six figures hanging from tall wooden sticks. Tears leaked from the corners of his eyes when he saw that it was his friends: Jaden, Chazz, Bastion, Alexis, Atticus and Zane…they were all tied to separate wooden pillars. The villagers were suddenly alive with movement and they all surrounded them.
Moments later, still being gripped tightly, Sy realized what they were doing. The wooden pillars were being set on fire.
"NO! STOP! DON'T HURT THEM!" Sy screamed.
The man suddenly lifted him into the air by his arm and Sy screeched and struggled, trying to get away from him. Slowly, the man's other bony hand reached up to grab the bag over his head. As it was torn off, Sy screamed at the bloody eye sockets and flesh-torn face, swollen with bruises and gashes so deep he could see the bone beneath.
"You…are…mine," the man's bloody mouth hissed.
His wrist was twisted and Sy let out a painful scream. The bony fingers grabbed his finger just above where the ring was situated and leaned down toward him. The pillars were already completely on fire and he heard the screams of each of the ones he cared about. Sy screamed with all of his might and kicked hard, shaking his head back and forth in fear and anguish.
"SY! SYRUS!"
Gasping for air, Sy jumped up glancing around with wide, frightened eyes. Jaden was staring at him fearfully as well as Chumley. The light was on and the two were knelt down by his bed.
"It can't…," Sy shook his head. "The earthquake!"
"What earthquake?" Chumley asked, blinking sleepily.
"Sy, you had another nightmare," Jaden said, smoothing his hair back.
Shaking his head, Sy shakily grabbed his boyfriend's hand. "No! It was real…I know it was! It felt more real than last time! It had…it had to be real! We met up with Zane and others…to tell them about the curse…and they…they didn't believe us and…"
"Sy, we didn't meet up with them," Jaden said softly, sitting next to him. "It was all just a bad dream. I know it's probably because of that information we read about the curse, right?"
"Jaden it's true! I saw everything! I saw the Amun-Ra ritual!" Sy exclaimed shakily. "I saw everything…it was horrible!"
He suddenly couldn't speak any more as he burst into tears. Jaden wrapped his arms around him and held onto him tightly. Soothingly, he rubbed circles on his back trying to get him calmed down.
"Would you like me to sleep with you?" Jaden asked softly, brushing his bangs back.
Sy wordlessly nodded his head and continued to sob. Jaden slipped into bed next to him and wrapped his arms securely around the smaller boy's waist. Sy buried his face against his chest and continued to cry until he fell asleep.
When he woke up a few hours later, he was still upset about the nightmare but he had stopped crying. It had felt so much more real than any of the other ones—it was starting to scare him a lot.
"J…," Sy whispered shakily as they made their way to breakfast.
"Yeah Sy?" Jaden asked, wrapping his arm around his shoulders.
"Are we still going to talk to everyone about the curse?"
Blinking, Jaden nodded. "If you still want to. We could at least see what they say. Or maybe, Sy, you could just talk to Zane. I mean, I doubt Chazz would want to have anything to do with it, but I'm sure your brother would help."
Biting his lip as he remembered what happened in the nightmare, Sy took in a shaky breath.
"I don't know if he'll believe me."
"Well, if he doesn't you and I can do some more research," Jaden smiled softly. "Alright? And we'll even try to contact an Egyptian expert, if that'll make you feel better."
Wiping at his eyes, Sy looked up at him and smiled shakily. "Thanks, J. You're the best."
Holding him tight, Jaden kissed him briefly on the lips. Neither one of them saw Chazz's mouth drop open as they passed by him without notice. Chazz was so shocked he smashed right into a wall and fell over. Students passing by glanced down at him, blinked and then continued on their way. Jaden and Sy were still off in their own world, oblivious to what had happened.
After breakfast, Sy was feeling a bit better. Part of him wondered if the nightmare was what actually had happened. The other part of him didn't want to know. All Sy was sure of was that he didn't want to go to sleep…ever again. The nightmares were coming every night now and seemed more realistic each time. Jaden promised to sleep with him every night if he wanted, but Sy wasn't sure that would help stop the nightmares. Still, he had to sleep some time. There was no way he could get up for classes, which started again in a few days, if he didn't get sleep. The break was ending and Sy didn't feel refreshed at all.
By the time dinner came around, Sy was so scared he was trembling again. He could hardly even keep his food down. Jaden tried to comfort him by telling him that he'd stay up all night with him if he had to. The two lay together and talked for a while until Sy began feeling drowsy. Eventually, the two fell asleep. It wasn't long until Sy opened his eyes. He could hardly see in the dark but he could tell he was facing the wall. Soft breathing came from behind him and he touched Jaden with his foot, making sure he was still there. Sighing with relief, Sy tried closing his eyes again.
A cold draft made him shiver and he pulled the blankets up higher. Seconds later the blankets were pulled back down away from his shoulders. Sy's eyebrows furrowed even as he kept his eyes shut. Jaden was obviously hogging the blankets. He tried pulling them up again but they appeared to be stuck. A cold wind ghosted over his bare shoulder and Sy suddenly froze. Jaden's soft breathing was still behind him but there was something else…another raspy sound was echoing softly in the room. And it was definitely coming from somewhere nearby.
Goosebumps trailed along his whole body as fear consumed him. His heart began pounding so loudly in his chest he thought it'd burst through. He couldn't open his eyes; there was no way he was going to. No, it was just his imagination. He would just fall back asleep and morning would come faster.
Something cold brushed against his shoulder and Sy's heart skipped a beat. He was so scared now. He knew he wasn't asleep—that much he was certain of. And it sounded like someone else was in the room. He needed to wake up Jaden. Keeping his eyes shut, Sy began rolling over in order to face his boyfriend. Something cold suddenly covered his entire face and Sy tried to let out a scream that was muffled. He struggled violently as his wind pipe was suddenly closed up. Something very strong was pinning him down so that he couldn't move. He wanted to shout to Jaden, wanted to kick him and wake him up but he couldn't move or breathe.
Tears prickled in his eyes and fell even as he struggled for air. Syrus knew his air was almost gone and soon he would be dead. He wanted desperately to tell Jaden how much he loved him. Sy managed to get one of his hands loose. His fingers suddenly felt incredibly warm and before he knew it his wind pipe had been released. Sy gagged and sputtered for air as his vision was restored at well. The dark looming figure over him let out an inhuman cry as light erupted in its face. Jaden was suddenly forced awake, nearly falling out of bed at the sound.
Jaden saw the hideous corpse twitching and opening its wide, rotting mouth as if it were screaming. Immediately, he grabbed Sy and pulled him to his chest to keep him safe. Sy was coughing and gasping for air. The corpse suddenly vanished in front of them as the light continued to shine. Sy gasped, blinking a few times as he struggled to even out his breathing. His eyes were hooked to the ring on his finger—it was illuminating the bright light which had scared the corpse off.
"Sy! Are you alright?" Jaden asked desperately, searching his fast.
Sy coughed roughly again and shook his head. "J-Jaden, it almost killed me!" he sobbed. "I couldn't breathe! It…it was choking me!"
"Shh, calm down, it's okay," Jaden soothed, embracing him. "I'm here now. I won't let it hurt you."
Sy choked on more sobs and began another fit of coughing even as his shoulders shook from terror. He had never been so scared in his life. Chumley was still sound asleep, amazingly and only turned over once. Jaden continued to keep Sy close to him until he had settled down a bit.
"Sy, let me see that ring," Jaden said.
Shakily, the blue-haired boy held out his hand to him and Jaden stared at it. "How did this thing glow so brightly? It doesn't look like there's a flashlight in it or anything."
Suddenly, Sy's eyes widened. "Jaden…do you think this is the key?"
Jaden tilted his head. "I'm not sure, Sy. It could be. But what's it a key to?"
"I don't know, but I'm never going back to sleep again!" he said, as tears began to fall once more. "I thought I was going to die and…and that I'd never see you again!"
"I told you I won't let you die," Jaden said firmly. "Listen to me, I'm sorry I fell asleep. We'll find a way to stop it before it does this again, okay? Tomorrow we'll contact an expert and we can also talk to Zane."
"What if he doesn't believe us?"
"He will with these marks on your neck, Sy. Besides, even though it's far-fetched your brother, along with the rest of the gang, has seen more than their fair share of weird things."
Sniffling, Sy nodded and immediately cuddled close to him. "Don't fall back asleep, J…please."
"I won't," Jaden said softly, smoothing his hair out. "I'll protect you."
Sy lifted his head and stared at him with wide, teary eyes. Jaden pushed away his bangs and leaned down to kiss him. He was meaning it to be soft and sweet, but Sy wrapped his arms around the other boy. Slowly, the smaller boy slipped his tongue between his boyfriend's lips. Jaden let out a soft noise and soon joined him in a passionate kiss. Sy pushed his self closer, wanting to feel even more warmth that was radiating from Jaden's body. Soon, the two broke away for air and Sy leaned his head against Jaden's neck.
"I love you, J," Sy said quietly. "I want you to know that."
Smiling softly, Jaden kissed his forehead. "Thanks, Sy. I love you too. Hey, why don't we play a game of Duel Monsters to keep us up?"
Nodding, Sy reluctantly slipped out of their embrace. "Can we keep the light on?"
"Definitely," Jaden answered, retrieving his dueling deck.
"Jaden…um…tomorrow I want to tell Zane about us, for sure," Sy said softly.
Jaden looked up from where he was setting up his cards. "Alright. You don't have to yet if you don't want to."
"It's just…I realized tonight how quickly one can…well, that I could die at any time," Sy bit his lip to keep from crying. "I want to tell him tomorrow and not wait any long just in case this curse kills me."
"Sy, I won't let that happen. And neither will Zane," Jaden promised firmly. "We'll figure this out."
"I know, but just in case…I want to. It'll make me feel better."
Staring at him silently, Jaden nodded and offered him a small smile. "Well, let me know what his expression is."
"I want you to come with me when I tell him," Sy said.
Jaden looked at him in surprise. "You do?"
Sy nodded. "Yes."
"Alright," Jaden said, nodding. "Here, why don't you go first."
Wiping at the dried up tears, Sy nodded and slowly began the game. From time to time, he glanced at the window frightened that the corpse would come back. Thankfully, it didn't. Sy wasn't only glad for that but also for the fact that he hadn't died. He realized just how much he needed to tell his brother and it hadn't been impertinent until after the incident. Jaden promised to protect him and Sy knew he would, but he still didn't want to wait any longer to tell his brother.
Morning came and although Sy was tired he was happy to see the bright rays shining through their window. If he didn't need therapy afterwards, he'd be very fortunate. He ate very little for breakfast but Jaden at least forced him to eat an egg and a small piece of toast. Sy wanted to tell Zane right after breakfast so when they were done eating the two headed toward the Obelisk dorms.
Sy was so nervous he didn't let go of Jaden's hand the whole way there. As they approached the doors, Sy was reminded of his nightmare which had started out somewhat the same. He hoped that an earthquake didn't come soon. Jaden knocked on the door and seconds later an Obelisk blue student answered.
"What do you two want?"
"I want to see my brother!" Sy exclaimed.
The boy blinked and crossed his arms. "Who's your brother?"
"Zane is!" Sy said.
The boy looked surprised but shrugged. "He's still finishing breakfast."
"Let us in it's an emergency!" Jaden exclaimed.
The boy rolled his eyes and let them in. The two entered and immediately headed toward the kitchen. There, both Zane, another boy and Chazz were eating.
"Oh no, it's you two," Chazz drawled.
Zane looked up at them indifferently. "What are you two doing here?"
"Zane, this is important! There's something I have to tell you!" Sy exclaimed, pulling Jaden with him.
Chazz suddenly smirked and glanced at Zane. "This will be good, I promise you."
Jaden sent the older boy a quizzical look but Chazz just leaned back in his seat. Zane stared at them, waiting and Sy took a deep breath.
"JadeanIardating!" he said all at once.
Chazz raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Speak English."
"Zane, Jaden is…well, he's my boyfriend."
The words rang out and Chazz glanced over at Zane who was still staring at the both of them. Sy didn't even wait long before he continued.
"Look, I know Jaden isn't your favorite person…and…well, you might be ashamed that I like another boy, but I needed you to know this since…since, I…," Sy trailed off, biting his lip.
The other boy sitting at the table decided it was best if he left. Chazz stayed to enjoy the show. Zane closed his eyes briefly and stood up.
"Why should I care? What you do with your life is your business," Zane replied casually.
Immediately, tears began to leak from Sy's eyes. "How could you say you don't care!" Sy shouted, startling even Chazz who was trying to take a sip of water. "I almost died last night because the mummy tried to kill me and that's all you have to say! I bet you wouldn't even miss me!"
"Sy, calm down!" Jaden exclaimed, embracing the smaller boy.
"The mummy?" Chazz raised an eyebrow. "Not this again."
Zane stared down at them and crossed his arms. "I don't know what movies you've been watching, Sy but it's all in your head."
"Zane, he's telling the truth!" Jaden exclaimed angrily. "Look at his neck."
Sy, who was crying onto Jaden's shoulder, was gently pulled away as Jaden tried to show them. Zane stepped forward and grabbed his brother's chin gently, lifting up his neck. Dark bruises and finger prints were left on his neck.
"Who did this?" Zane asked, standing back up.
"I told you, the mummy!" Sy shouted. "It tried to kill me!"
"I saw it too, Zane," Jaden said, grasping Sy's hand. "It was in the room last night while we were sleeping. Sy woke up from having another nightmare about the mummy and it came."
"How do you two know you weren't dreaming?" Chazz asked, propping his elbow on the table.
"Because it was real, Chazz! And I saw the marks on his neck! We stayed up the rest of the night afraid it would come back!" Jaden exclaimed, glancing at Zane. "Please, Zane you have to believe us!"
Sy began sobbing again and Jaden tried to comfort him. Zane closed his eyes briefly again.
"I don't know what you two saw, but it wasn't a mummy," Zane spoke quietly. "It was probably the same person who was at the Hot Springs."
"The mummy is real! It's trying to kill me!" Sy sobbed, grasping the front of Jaden's shirt.
Jaden hugged him and glanced up at Zane. "Look, Zane. I know it's hard to believe. Let us stay here tonight and you'll see! If it tries to come back again, you both will be here to see it."
"What? You both stay here?" Chazz asked, wide-eyed.
Zane stared at him silently and Jaden gave him a pleading look. "Please, Zane. Just this one favor. This way you'll see if it's our imagination or not."
The older teen glanced down at Sy who still had his face buried against Jaden's shoulder. Then he uncrossed his arms.
"Fine. You both can stay for one night."
Jaden looked relieved. "Thank you, Zane."
The older teen just glanced at them both and left the room. Chazz stood up moments later and approached them.
"You two better not use any hot water up while you're here," he said.
"We won't," Jaden said quietly, still holding onto Sy.
Chazz stared at them silently and finally he made his way to leave, bending his arms behind his head.
"And don't eat the chocolate ice cream."
Jaden rubbed Sy's back and looked at him as he pulled away.
"See Sy? We can stay here tonight with your brother. You'll be safe."
Sy sniffled and nodded. "Yeah…thanks, Jaden."
Squeezing his hand softly, Jaden smiled. "Hey, let's go see how Chum's doing and then we'll go see if any practice duels are going on, alright?"
Nodding, Sy clasped their hands together as they walked out of the Obelisk dorm room. Sy leaned up against Jaden's side, thankful that he had finally told his brother even though it wasn't the reaction he was hoping for. And at least for that night they'd be safe. He just hoped that the corpse wouldn't show its face again.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Author's Note: Don't worry, this will NOT be an angsty story! There's a little bit of horror/suspense but the humor/romance/action will be coming up very shortly! I'll try and update faster like this!
To Reviewers:
Lady Lotus Flower: Yeah, I'm so sorry the last chapter moved quickly. It was a dream sequence so I wanted it to seem a little fake, but maybe I made it too fake. Lol! Hopefully this chapter was back to normal. :-)
Just Someone: Hehe…yeah, I definitely updated faster this time, huh:-) That makes me feel better though, about what you said about other people taking years. I try not to make people wait more than a couple months…but it does happen. I'm glad you're thinking ahead! I can't answer a couple of those questions, but you're on the right track!
Coco Gash Niccals: Yeah, sorry about the long delay for the last chapter. I definitely updated a lot sooner this time around. Thanks so much! I'm so glad you're still enjoying it.
Ac-the-brain-supreme: Hehe, yeah, sorry about making you wait long for the last chapter. I hope to update this real soon!
Lorna Shadows: Lol! Oh yes, Chazz will eat his words. Tehehe!
