With the exception of the plot and the original characters that are depicted in the story, the author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended on the franchise of Inuyasha and Ouke no Monshou that rightfully belong to its owners Rumiko Takahashi and Chieko Hosokawa.
I'd like to give a shout-out to Cyrus559 for her help and support in this fantastic series. The question I would like to ask you, dear readers, is what else would you like to see happen within ancient Egypt to Kagome/Ankhesenamun or even to the Rido family? The canon manga series is still on hiatus, therefore we do not know it's conclusion yet. So without further ado, let the eleventh act of The Time Traveler's Pharaoh commence! :)
"That was completely uncalled for!"
Kagome shouted at the statue, looking absolutely miffed as she addressed her divine patron. Even though she had gone through the most inhumane training sessions by Sesshomaru's poisoned claws and knew several creative methods to break a neck, the young woman was firmly against the idea of using unnecessary violence. That also included being possessed by a happy-to-go-lucky warmonger of an Egyptian deity.
A rumbling, disembodied laughter echoed throughout the holy chamber before the statue morphed to a living, breathing embodiment of Sekhmet. The imposing goddess took two steps forward before she halted in front of Kagome, lowering herself till they were face to face.
"Really? I believe it was a necessary tactic to showcase just how displeased I was with that brat's actions. Isis has been able to do whatever she wants for far too long without consequences and her last stunt was one step too far. Consider it...what is it they call in your time? Oh, right. A 'wake-up call'." Sekhmet's lion snout came up beside her head, purring like a feline, "And I don't want any harm to come to my special priestess, especially not on the day on her inauguration!" Then she retracted her head and spoke normally, Well, as normal as a goddess could.
"Besides, you of all people should know that I love a good fight. It has been way too long since I have fought with the body of a mortal. It made the experience even more exhilarating. Nothing else excites me more than indulging in conflict!" Sekhmet's voice heightened in pleasure as she continued to speak. "To encourage the mighty warrior into doing great deeds." Her voice kept rising even more, making the miko hoping nobody else was close enough to hear the goddess. "Smiting the enemy, tearing them apart limb by limb just to see him crumble as his lifeblood colors the ground beneath him red. Tearing nations apart with my wrath and anger as I stride forward into the heart of war. Striking mortals with terror and fear! This is me, and shall always be till the end of time!" Sekhmet spread her arms wide and grinned widely, unveiling her sharp teeth upon ending her little speech.
However, Sekhmet's oracle expressed neither amusement or fear. Only aggravation.
"Regardless, you can't just go around possessing people like that, including me! I refuse to participate in any sort of unnecessary violence, I had a friend who was a half-demon; whenever he lost control of himself, he went on a killing-spree and laughed at those who wished to be spared, just cut them down by his talons in the end! No possessing my body unless it's absolutely necessary, all right?" Kagome stomped the ground with her foot to emphasis the seriousness of this conversation, raising her voice with stormy blue eyes glaring defiantly at Sekhmet.
The goddess seemed entertained at her priestess' temperament. "Hehe~! it is fun that for once I finally get a priest who actually knows how to fight, but don't be too sure that you would have won on your own," the lion-headed goddess said. "But this wasn't what I wished to talk to you about."
"I'm listening."
"I came here because within the royal court there is a prophecy that has been foretold by Ra himself! And if I remember its contents correctly, you are part of it." The goddess' playful demeanor suddenly became serious as she looked down at the mortal.
Kagome groaned. This was definitely not part of the job description when she agreed to be an ancient Egyptian priestess. Why couldn't she be left alone? "Fine. What is this prophecy about?"
The lion-headed goddess licked her lips. "Many years ago, before the very idea that a mortal would walk the Egyptian sands, Ra spoke at a feast that a new threat would soon emerge. Chaos that could end this great nation and her people, a disease that would spread beyond the borders to other countries around the world. To save it, we must look for a mortal. A mortal unlike we have seen in our long lives, blessed from beyond the girdle of the universe as we know it. Their words alone could silence mortal and immortals, inspire them to do what is righteous and just."
Kagome looked unsure."That was what he said? It doesn't sound much like a prophecy to my ears, and what makes you think it is me he spoke about?"
Sekhmet chuckled lightly, "He may have uttered it more poetically than I did. I was never one for such things. Anyway," one of Sekhmet's eyebrows rose in silent amusement. "He also added that not only was the present order of the world threatened, but also the past and future as well… Tell me then… Ankhesenamun, how can something be powerful enough to not only pose a danger to the present and future, but also to the past?"
Kagome spent a few moments to process the deity's words before she answered Sekhmet. "In my time, we have a saying that say that whoever control the present, also controls the past. But in this case I guess it is the real, physical past that he implies, which people here counted as present as for me here in the past! So the real danger lies in that the future which I know can be changed to something else," Kagome concluded.
"Then you know why I was so interested in you," Sekhmet purred. "I am afraid I don't know more than this."
"That's a very obscure hint for a disaster that could potentially wipe out ancient history as the world in my time knows it!" Kagome, feeling frustrated by the vague clues she had been told. "And Ra didn't specifically say what this threat was, or what it would take to stop it?
"Sorry, that's not how prophecies work. Because of humans have free will, the future is notoriously difficult to predict, even for us!" Sekhmet huffed, but with a clever smirk on her lips. "And that's why you humans are so fun. Unlike the nature with its predictable laws and rhythm, it is almost impossible to say what you will do. It is quite entertaining!"
Kagome stared at the goddess with an uneasy expression. "Thanks...I guess. So...what should I do now? Do I need to start looking for trouble, sneak around the palace to get the answers, or just wait until they literally fall in my lap and I don't realize it till the very last minute? What are the chances that I'll be able to save the ancient world twice in a row? In the Sengoku Jidai, I had friends and allies I could trust. Here? I...I don't have anyone. I'm on my own."
For the first time since they met, Sekhmet did not laugh or mock the time traveler. Instead, she smiled sympathetically, kneeling down so that their bodies stood equally. For the lion-headed deity, this was a sign of acceptance. To Kagome, it was almost as if Sekhmet had unknowingly taken on the role of a mother guiding her confused child.
"You will remain here until I am able to find out more about this prophecy. The moment I entered your dreams, they were so wondrous and impossible...that it seemed possible. Obviously, your era is vastly different from my own. The clergy will do their best to teach you about our culture, and our way of living, as will I. You will know everything that will be required of you as an official Egyptian priestess. Besides, you left a great impression on the young Pharaoh and I know he is eager to meet you again. Memphis might not be most easy person around, spoiled as he is, but I am sure you two will come around." And then, a knowing smirk appeared on her face, "After all, when you speak… or should I rather say, tell your fascinating tales, both men and gods become silent and listen to you."
Kagome blinked once, then twice before she stifled a giggle that threatened to leave her mouth.
Sekhmet was far from the indifferent and bloodthirsty goddess than the time traveler had originally believed her to be. She had given some serious thought about everything, gambling with the endless possibilities before taking a chance with a complete stranger from another time and place. Furthermore, Sekhmet's eyes seemed to acknowledged that every mortal from all levels of society, the lowest slave to the Pharaoh himself, become silent as she spoke.
And Kagome...Ankhesenamun, was willing to bet her position as a priestess that Sekhmet also had been listening when she told her stories.
"So, what should I do until morning, I am not supposed to leave this room until then. Pray to you?" the raven-haired woman asked. Sekhmet shrugged before she leaned away, making herself comfortable in the temple upon conjuring an intricate stool to sit on.
"You can do that…. Or you can tell me about the future, then I can tell you about our time and the people who lies here!" A clawed hand waved around the room again. Another stool was created, one made from pure gold and covered by a leopard's pelt. Sekhmet looked at her stunned oracle.
"Sit."
A little surprised at the display of both magic and hospitality of her 'host', Ankhesenamun graciously accepted it. In exchange she asked Sekhmet a simple question.
"Where should I begin?"
xTTPx
Upon arriving at the palace, the royal siblings went their separate ways; Isis to her temple so that she may pray to Amun-Ra, and Memphis was directed to the royal court so as to continue the task of governing Egypt. The senators, ministers, even overseers of construction sites wanted his approval over every single thing.
The first priority had been the next step in resolving the conflict over the delta. Originally, the pharaoh had intended to just let the local governor decide whatever measures that were deemed necessary to make sure the workers returned to mining the area. But after speaking to Ankhesenamun earlier this afternoon, it made him think. Perhaps...he needed to send instructions, even inquire what could the governor….what could the king do to appease the people. He rarely gave any consideration to his subjects, placing his own desires above everything else. However, he was no longer a prince of Egypt. He was their Pharaoh, a ruler who governed a prosperous nation.
Inhaling a deep breath, he commanded a guard to send a papyrus to the aforementioned official. This is an issue that must be dealt with swiftly before the uprising spreads across the land. Have the governor come to the palace immediately, within two days. Once the armored man had left, Memphis looked at his council with a pinched frown.
"Well? What else must be addressed? Speak! I am tired from the day."
Immediately the wizened man gathered around, showing their obeisance as they informed the king about today's happenings, their reports as dry as the Egyptian sand. Oh, how Memphis wished Ankhesenamun was here now. She would be able amuse him with tales about faraway lands, powerful warriors and magic unlike anything he had ever heard of before. Up until now he would have never thought that someone of his social status would conceive the idea to listen to a slave.
Then again, Ankhesenamun was unlike anyone else he had ever known in his life. She had been born an Egyptian yet she remained civilized towards everyone, treating each person that crossed her path with an equal amount of respect. The only trait that made his new high priestess seem barbaric would be that she refused to shave her head and wear a wig. Allowing natural hair to grow? How horrid!
Smiling to himself, Memphis allowed his mind to wander as the words from his ministers became nothing more than buzzing noises in the background. It is...strange. The more he thought about the fascinating storyteller, the more he wanted to see her again and hear her voice.
An Interesting Fact: in ancient Egypt, people shaved their hair and used wigs as this was more practical and hygienic. Especially priest and priestess were required to shave off all of their natural body hair before entering a temple as it was considered unclean!
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