Mahad entered his King's chambers, side stepping to avoid a few Ka Spirits who were carrying out some broken pieces of furniture to be repaired. The hallway was all fixed, but the room was still somewhat damaged; like the claw marks on the walls and floor, plus the smashed decor. For now; there was a chair, table, the bed, some pottery and a few new woven tapestries. But it was better than it had been before, and even the Pharaoh seemed calmer.
Speaking of the king, he was standing on his balcony looking out at the sky. Lost in thought, with his chin in his palm and...smiling? Raising a brow, the Dark Magician hovered closer and cleared his throat. "Sire?"
The creature slightly jumped before quickly regaining his compose and turning to Mahad. "Yes, Mahad? What is it?"
"Just wanted to see how you were doing. Also, if you're planning on having lunch in the dining room?"
The Pharaoh thought a minute, then shook his head. "I think I will have it, in here again. And did Shada get my message?"
"He did, and it should be ready before sundown."
"Good. That'll be all for now, Mahad."
The Ka Magician nodded and left his king, so he could attend to his other duties. Once he left, the Pharaoh looked up at the position of the sun and he swallowed."There's not much time left..."
:~*~:
Angela ran a brush through her raven locks, before tying back her hair with her green handkerchief. She touched her necklace as if in prayer and then stood up to dust off her skirt to make sure there was no lingering dirt or sand on the fabric. Once she thought she was ready, the young lady headed towards the Wing Of Ra. Upon reaching the stairs, Angela saw Mahad descend.
"Oh, good day Mahad."
"You as well, milady." The Dark Magician said, with a smile. "I heard that Seth has allowed you to visit the Pharaoh in his chambers. That's good to know."
Angela nodded. "As am I, Mahad. Is he up there, by the way?"
"Yes, and I think he'll be happy if you visit for a bit." He gave a small smile, before giving a bow and leaving to take care of repair the wall-hanging that Mana set fire to. Before Karim saw it and have a heart-attack. Angela climbed the stairs and walked down the fixed hallway; taking in the repainted murals on the walls and new art lining the path. There were a few pieces of pottery, some statues of a few Gods and Goddess's, and brand new torch holders. It was more cheery than the last time she was there, even the doors didn't frighten her now. Speaking of which, she stopped in front of them and smoothed her skirt before knocking.
"Who is it?" Came the Pharaoh's voice.
"It's me, my lord. Angela."
"Angela?" Came his voice, muffled through the door. "Just give me a minute..."
In his room, the creature quickly hid something behind a screen and cleared away somethings on the floor before letting in the young woman. "I'm sorry my chamber's such a mess...it's not completely repaired yet." He told her, sheepishly.
"It's fine, really." Angela said, while glancing around. "Your chamber looks very nice, actually."
"Thanks." His cheeks turned a slight pink, before he mentally bonked himself on the head. "I'm sorry..."
"Huh?"
"I haven't had someone visit me in a long time, so I'm a bit rusty." He admitted.
Angela gave a small smile, "Don't worry about it."
He blinked. "R-Really?"
"Yes." She thought a minute. "Maybe, we can get to...know each other better? That is if you want to?"
The Pharaoh nodded, and gestured for her to sit on the chest by his bed. "I'd like that."
"Would you like to go first?" Angela asked, placing her hands in her lap. "Or would you rather I did?"
"You. If you don't mind, that is."
She shook her head. "Not at all. Well, let's see...as you know I'm a healer; my godpa raised and taught me everything I know. I like plants and many kinds of animals, but I also enjoy reading and spending time with the children of the poor part of the village."
"Why the poor part of the village? Surely there are other places?"
"Correct. But that area is where my Godpa and I are needed most...many can't afford the high priced medicines and tonics to receive from the medic's of high stations. So, we try and help all we can in that little area." He lips curled into a smile. "Whenever I came to just visit, the children would run over to me and beg me to play with them or tell them a story. It always warmed my heart to know I was the bright spot in their day."
He matched her smile. "Sounds like you care for them deeply."
"I do. I even would bring them treats when I could."
"Like what?"
"Figs or Oranges sometimes. Or I'd make big pot of soup, and bread to take." She paused, when realized she was rambling. "Sorry, I didn't mean to go on and on-"
"I don't mind." He said, hold up his hands. "So...you like to cook?"
"I mostly did the cooking back home. But I can make a good stew."
"Stew, huh? I'd like to try it sometime. Provided we can get the cook away from the stove." He joked, making them both laugh; knowing full well that the cook wouldn't stay out of the kitchen for long. He would be back before Angela would even start the stew. "So, can you tell me more about yourself?" She asked.
The creature fidgeted, not sure where to start. "Well...I...um, I like to play games."
"Really? What kind of games?"
"Senet, for one. And...Twenty Squares. But mostly Senet."
Angela cocked her head. "The elders back in the village play Senet, but I've never heard of the other one."
"I can teach you...if you like?"
She gave the smile that made his heart flutter. "I'd like that, Pharaoh. Thank you."
He swallowed, "By Ra, her smile makes her gorgeous." He cleared his throat. "Perhaps tomorrow, I can show you? I have no new plans to go over."
"That sounds good." Angela replied. "What else do you, like to do?"
The Pharaoh sat on his bed, "Aside of summoning the Ka Spirits without a person attached, and games, I like watching the stars when the skies are clear."
"Really? I bet they blanket the sky here."
He chuckled, "Yes, they do. Sometimes it's so covered, that there's almost no sky." The Pharaoh put his chin in his palm; to Angela he seemed quite human sitting there like that. She cleared her throat, then started to play with the hem of one of her sleeves. For some reason she was flustered being around the king. But she had no idea why...
"My turn," He said. "I've been wondering about your necklace...you've never taken it off. So I assume it's special?"
Angela touched the pendent tenderly, "Yes...you could say that. It's all I have left of my mother." She held it out a bit so he could see it better. It was a cross made of iron, the width of his thumb, a nimbus surrounding the intersection of the arms and stem. A Celtic knot pattern was carved into the metal. In fact, the whole design looked so delicate.
"Beautiful. This was your mother's?"
The Irish Woman nodded, "Yes. I never knew her or Da...I was...very little when we left our land."
"I never knew my mother either," The Pharaoh confessed. "Through Father would tell me, she was the most kindest woman he had ever met." He gave a sad smile. "Wish I could've known her..."
"I wish the same for mine." Angela replied, before letting go of her pendent. "How do you often spend your time, when there's nothing to else do?"
"Besides play games, I just...wander around the palace or garden." He answered. Then leaned back on his hands. "What else do you like to do?"
The young woman crossed her ankles, before turning towards him abit. "Well, I like to sing when I do the chores."
"Were you singing in the Plant Room yesterday?"
Her cheeks went pink at the question. "Y-Yes. You heard?"
"I did. You sounded lovely." He replied with a smirk, making her cheeks turn a strawberry color.
"Enough about me-"
"But what to know more," The pharaoh said, with a fake pout. "Please?"
Angela crossed her arms with a playful smile, "Pouting's not going to make me change my mind."
"Can't blame me for trying." The creature said, returning her smile. "Just talking and sitting with another person, I feel...so different."
For the next few hours, the two spoke of many things; the seasons they loved, animals, even old tales of the constellations. Angela was about to ask him about the stories he liked when a knock interrupted them. "Who is it?" The Pharaoh asked, biting down a growl.
"Begging your pardon, sire." Came a servants voice. "I've brought you some water."
"Enter."
The servant, a Dancing Fairy, came in with a painted pitcher and goblet on a wooden tray. She placed it on the Pharaoh's vanity and bowed before saying, "Lord Shada will be here shortly, sire."
"Thank you."
Angela turned to the creature. "I'll see you later, then?"
He nodded, and closed the door after she left. It was then that his hands began to shake, causing him to curl them into fists to try and stop them. He then paced the room; trying to distract his mind and pass the time until the priest arrived. The Pharaoh was beyond tense, and he nearly jumped when Shada announced his arrival.
"You have them?"
"Yes, through I hope there'll be no need tonight." The priest said, while setting a bag down.
"We can't be too uncautious, Shada."
There was a pause, before the Zelua spoke again. "Very well, my king..."
That evening...
Angela gave Kisara her clothes to be washed, after changing into her nightgown. She had been telling her friend about the new flower Mana had discovered and her time with the Pharaoh. "I do hope we can spend more time together tomorrow."
"The King does seem happier when he's with you, Angela." The Maiden with Eyes of Blue giggled. "You sure you don't have any hidden magic?"
The young woman shook her head. "Nope. But part of me wishes I did...for certain reasons."
"Oh?"
Angela sighed, and folded her arms. "You remember the guy I mentioned before? The Mercenary?"
Kisara nodded, while going to put the clothes in basket. "You have once or twice."
"Well, if I had magic I'd make him forget his quest to win me over. He just...never gives up, and I can't help but worry that he'd do something crazy if pushed hard enough."
The Maiden With Eyes Of Blue took Angela's hands. "I'm sure all will be fine, milady. You have nothing to-"
A loud roar echoed through the palace, making both women jump. Hurried footsteps were heard rushing past her closed door, and Angela poked her head out to see Seth, Mahad, and Isis turning the corner as another roar was heard. It cut through the stillness like a white-hot knife. The sound was one Angela knew well...it was the Pharaoh's. She was about to chase after the priests when Kisara grabbed her hand. "Wait, Angela!"
"I have to go see if they need help-"
"It's too dangerous! You won't get close anyway...please, come back inside the room."
Angela stood still, for a minute and looked back towards where the priests had flown. "Why is he roaring like this?" No answer. "Kisara, tell me."
"I don't know myself, only the priests know. They tell us to stay in our rooms and not come out until dawn."
Another roar, louder than before, reached their ears. Finally, Angela couldn't take it anymore. "I must speak with Mahad or Seth...they'd know the answer."
"But you might be hurt."
"I want to help if I can, Kisara. Please..."
She didn't say anything for a moment, then Kisara gave a small smile. "You're as stubborn as the king, you that? Alright, I'll come with you. Just in case we need to run back here; I'll be able to guide you."
Angela gave her a grateful smile, then grabbed her shawl before they ran down the hall towards the Wing Of Ra. Her heart pounded with each roar that was heard...she hoped that she could be of help. Isis, Karim and Seth were at the bottom of the stairs; as if waiting for orders when they had arrived. Needless to stay, the Duos wasn't in the best of moods...and it tripled when he saw the two come around the corner.
"What in the name of Horus, are you both doing here?!" He asked, cutting to the point. "You should be in your room!"
"I came to help," Angela replied. "If there's anything I can do-"
"It's not your concern, girl."
Kisara came up beside the young woman. "Please Seth, just tell her what's going on?"
"Why should I? There's nothing she can do anyway; just go back to bed."
Isis got between them, shooting the Duos a look. "I'll tell her, Seth. She does deserve an explanation, go take my place to keep watch."
"Isis-"
"Now!"
Muttering with a scowl, the priest turned and went to stand beside Shada as Isis turned to the Irish woman. Her gaze was sad, as she started to explain. "As you know, our king is cursed...but there's more than one part of it. Once in a month; the beast within him tries to break free and during these hours, he doesn't know friend from foe. His fangs and claws become longer, senses are heightened. Shimun makes a potion to try and quiet it...but sometimes it doesn't always work. When that happens, the Pharaoh bites and claws himself...hence why he's roaring. As a pro-caution, Shada makes special set of chains to bind him to the wall of his room. It was the Pharaoh's orders, as he doesn't wish to hurt anyone; should biting not work. Mahad and Karim are outside his bedroom door, should he need to be restrained."
Tears threatened to fall down Angela's face; to think the Pharaoh had to go through this pain was breaking her heart. "I need to see him."
"No, Miss Angela! He'll hurt you!" Isis stated.
"I want to help him, Isis! He helped me when the Jackals would've torn me to pieces-"
"Should've let them." Seth grumbled.
"-and I wish to try and help him! There has to be something!"
Isis shook her head, meaning there was none. Another roar was heard, mixed with a scream, and Angela gazed at Isis with pleading eyes. "I beg you, let me go to him! Please!"
"I don't think-"
"I'll take her up there." Shada said, surprising everyone. "That way, if things go bad I can whisk her back down here."
"Have you gone-?!"
"Quiet, Seth. If she wants to try; who are we to stop her?" He hissed, before gesturing towards the stairs. "After you, miss."
Giving the priest a grateful smile, she ran up the steps and down the hall of the Wing Of Ra. The roar-like screams grew louder, as the two neared the doors of the Pharaoh's chambers. Mahad stood at the ready, staff in hand, should he need to dash in. Karim, on the other hand, had his back arched and ears flattened against his head. Upon hearing footsteps behind them, the Bastet turned and his eyes nearly bulged out of his head when he saw who was with Shada. Hearing his fellow priest give a strangled gasp, Mahad turned and his face paled.
"What's going-?!"
"Can't explain now," Angela said, shooting past the feline and magician to pound on the door. "Pharaoh?! It's Angela, I must see you!" Everything went still inside the room, after a moment she tried again. "Pharaoh?"
From within the room, she heard ragged breathing and a low moan of pain. A thump followed then...
Nothing.
Fear gripping her heart, Angela turned to Mahad and begged him to let her inside. After seeing pure concern in her eyes, the Dark Magician nodded. He unlocked the doors with his magic, and let Angela enter the dark room. The last bit light from the setting sun, gave Angela enough to see; there were pieces of the clay pitcher scattered around the floor and much of the drapery was shredded. Some more claw marks were on the walls and floor, the bed was rumpled and the linens were cast off in disarray. She heard the ragged breathing once more, and walked to where there was a form curled up on the ground. Covered by the bed sheet. She stopped near it and gripped her shawl, "Pharaoh?"
The king curled up tighter; as if trying to become small, would make him invisible. "...leave." Came his voice, very hoarse.
Angela gripped her shawl, "No, I'm not going to leave you."
"Un...Unsafe."
"I know that, but I want to stay with you." She inched closer, when he moved slightly. Letting her see how his claws have grown a bit, and she held back a wince when they scraped the stone floor. His ragged breathing became deeper, and he sat up. The Linen sheet still wrapped around him, like a cloak. "Why...? Could be...hurt..."
"Do you need a reason, to help someone in need?" She asked, making him turn his head a bit. "I'm not afraid of you."
"Sh-Should...be." Came his reply, as the sheet fell to the ground and revealing the Pharaoh's face. His fangs were longer and he snarled at her; crouching down like an animal. Where he had bit and clawed himself, were slightly bleeding. "Well?!"
Angela didn't move from her spot; she just looked at his eyes. The sorrow and pain were still there and larger than ever; swirling like a whirlpool. For a moment, she thought she'd drown in their depths. Suddenly, he clutched his head and ground his teeth in pain...back arching as he curled forwards. He squeezed his eyes shut as the beast within him, roared and clawed to be released. It cried for meat...for blood...to hunt...over and over.
"Shut up!" The Pharaoh mentally ordered. "I said, shut up!"
He wanted to bang his head against the wall, to claw the voice from his brain. The Pharaoh whimpered, "Angela...go...please! Don't want...you hurt!" The Pharaoh bit his arm hard; making himself bleed as the beast seemed to cry out in pain along with him. He refused to obey it, it refused to obey him...both sides not wanting to lose to the other. He bit his other arm; deeper this time as to let the pain drown out the voice. He threw himself at wall nearest to him, not caring if it aggravated his wounds. The pupil's of his eyes kept switching from round to slit.
Angela slowly edged a way; not because she was scared, but because she had to come up with a way to calm him and the instincts which threatened to drive him mad. However; she wasn't looking where she was going, and sent the folding screen to the ground with a clatter. for an instant everything froze...as if time itself had stopped. The Pharaoh just stared at Angela...no, not her. Something behind her. Carefully, and slowly, the young woman turned her head to see a painted side profile portrait of a young man on the wall. It was large, and most of the face had been clawed away. She then jumped out of the way when the Pharaoh charged at the portrait, snarling and slashing at the stone. As if he was trying to remove it by clawing it from the wall; but by doing so, made his fingers slightly bleed.
"How can I help him?! At this rate, he'll tear up his hands. Come on, think!" Angela thought, frantically. Then it struck her...
Mahad and Karim rushed in once the Pharaoh's roar-like screams went higher in volume. "Get back, Miss Angela! He's about to lose the fight, and we're out of time!" Mahad told her. He raised his staff and made the chains levitate, ready to apply them to his king as he had always done. But as he was about to do so, Angela stepped in front of him, before calmly walking over to the creature who had slid down the wall in exhaustion.
"Angela, stay away! He'll attack you!" Karim shouted, in panic.
The Pharaoh let out a growl from his crouched position. His eyes now had slit pupils, with hardly any memory towards those in front of him. He hissed and bared his fangs at the approaching woman, as the others pleaded with her to run.
Light from the oil lamp, glinted off the metal of the cross around her neck. Upon seeing it, the Pharaoh stopped mid-growl and stared at it...for it seemed to spark something in his memory. Angela slowly came over; and hugged him once she was close enough before he could stop her. The Pharaoh struggled in her arms, snarling and trying to scratch her...but she didn't let go. Even when he gripped her arms; claws threatening to break the skin, she didn't let release her hold. Carefully, she reached up and stroked his hair with one hand, "It's alright, I know you're scared...but everything will be fine...you're safe." She told him, soothingly. "I'm sorry you had to suffer this fate alone, for so long. It breaks my heart to hear and see what you go through...but you do this to protect your friends. And that...takes much courage. You're very brave, Pharaoh." Angela left the grip on her arms loosen, and his body untense a bit as she spoke. "Hush, now...nothing will harm you." She started to softly hum, and kept stroking his hair as he started to tremble. With gentle hands, Angela helped guide him to sit on the ground when his legs were starting to give out. The beast had quieted in the king's mind, as if shocked by the gentleness it received. The Pharaoh's throat was raw from roaring, making it hurt to speak. Tears, his or the beasts or both; ran down the king's face and he let her wipe away his tears with her shawl, when they wouldn't stop.
The two priests stared in both disbelief and wonder...no one had ever been able to calm the Pharaoh as she had done. Angela looked over her shoulder at them. "He won't harm you or himself...please, don't chain him."
"I don't think, we'll have to." Mahad replied, making the chains disappear. Karim looked like he was going to faint, and would have if Mahad hadn't suggested they go inform the others. Angela helped the Pharaoh lay down on his bed, once the two had left. A soft sigh was heard as she stroked his back, making her smile. "Just rest now, in the morning we'll treat these scratches and bites."
Angela heard a quiet knock and went to go answer, but he grabbed her hand. Firmly, but gently. His expression begging her to stay with him...as if he was afraid she'd leave him alone. She took his hand in hers, "I'm going to see whose at your door, then I'll be right back. I promise." She paused. "Unless you'd rather I tell them to 'enter'?"
A nod 'yes' was his reply, and told the person to come in. Which happened to be Isis, Shada and Seth.
The Pharaoh was bit scared, however a calm smile from Angela made him relax and lay his head back Irish woman turned to the priests, who were dumbfounded. "You wanted to see the Pharaoh, correct?"
"That and to check on you." Seth mumbled, not taking his eyes off the king. Who was acting like a house cat, around the young lady. "But we see that it's not necessary."
"Indeed." Shada murmured.
"Would you like Kisara to take you back to your room, now Angela?" Isis asked. "It's very late."
"Soon," Came Angela's reply. "Just let me help get him settled. And Isis? May I have some bandages, the Pharaoh's got so many cuts and bites..."
The Spiria nodded, and went to fetch what was needed. Isis soon returned and gave the young woman the bandages, before helping her tend to the worse of the kings injuries. Angela got a flash back to when she first tended to his wounds; the night he had saved her from the Jackals.
Once the room was cleaned up a bit and the kings wounds were covered, the Priests left. Angela looked back to the Pharaoh, before whose eyelids were getting heavy. She brushed his golden bangs from his eyes, then whispered, "Rest now, you need it."
He hissed as pain shot through his arm, then whispered, "Hurts..."
She stroked his hair again, before softly humming a lullaby. His body relaxed; and was soon sleeping soundly, with a small smile on his face. It was then that Angela quietly left the room, to return to her own with Kisara. Who was very impressed with how she handled the situation.
"How did you know that would work?" She asked. "Hugging him like that?"
"I wasn't the embrace exactly," Angela said, as they neared her room. "When I watched him attack that mural, it made a spark-or something-go off in my mind. Too be sure I can't explain it...it just seemed like I was being told what to do..."
"Perhaps you have a guardian spirit, helping you?" Kisara thought aloud. "It would explain how you knew what to do?"
Angela shrugged, before opening the door to her bedroom. "Perhaps, but I'm not sure. Maybe I should ask Mahad if he help, tomorrow...he or Shada would know. Seth is probably still annoyed with me, so I can't ask him."
"I don't think he'll be annoyed long." Kisara stated, while taking Angela's shawl. "So I wouldn't worry about it."
"How do you know?"
The Maiden With Eyes Of Blue gave a secret smile, "I have ways. Don't worry."
Angela crawled into bed, and curled up under the blanket. "Kisara? I've been wondering...way do you have to Ka Spirits?" She asked sleepily.
"I'll tell you tomorrow, you just rest."
Without a second thought, Angela's eyes closed and she was whisked into a dreamless slumber.
...
Authors Note: The bit where Atem told Angela to leave was based on the scene in HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE; where he's a bird-like creature. The second one; where she hugged him, was based on a part from the episode 'HANS MY HEDGEHOG' from Jim Henson's 'The Storyteller'. (Really good show, should watch it on youtube)
My inspiration for the part before Angela hugs Atem, was from a story I recently read called 'Coiled' which a Roman take on 'BATB'. In one part, the prince becomes a snake whenever he is looked upon or makes eye contact. When he changes, his mother distracts him with an opal...he becomes memorized by the glittering stone and calms down to regain his senses. It was also inspired by a scene from 'INUYASHA: CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS'; where Kagome tries to get Inuyasha back to his senses as he was slowly turning into a full-demon. (That was my favorite part in the movie.)
In the original tale of 'BEAUTY & THE BEAST'; The Beast tells Beauty that he hunts for his dinner, thus he cannot eat with utensils. I incorporated that into here; but instead of giving-in...Atem/Pharaoh refuses to.
