I'm now on Christmas Break! I just got done with my first semester of Nursing School and it is very stressful! If anyone is thinking of majoring in Nursing or are planning to go to Nursing School, I wish you all the best of luck and remember to stay positive no matter what! Always follow your dreams!

Now then, I hope you're all ready for this chapter because it'll explain the history of Goddess Wadjet!

"As you all know, Goddess Wadjet can change into any form: her human form and her snake form. However, her and the other ancient deities gained their powers from a powerful deity who is unheard of and never seen. Many have tried to investigate who that powerful deity is, but there were no clues nor proof on whether or not that deity existed."

Sadiki looked at the journal resting on her lap. "There were stories that our cobra queen was once a mortal before she became an immortal. Others have said she was born immortal or created by the ancient deities in order to keep the world in order. Henceforth, she is given the title 'Protector of kings and of women in childbirth'. To us, we call her a mother goddess who loves and protects children from danger."

She glanced at the jewelry, which were now resting on the center of the table. "Her origins came from Lower Egypt, where she is highly worshipped in the ancient cities of Pe and Dep, now united as one to create the city of Buto. She was depicted as a cobra, either in that form or in a different form to hide her identity. Her cobra form became a symbol to all Egyptians when they say she would often coil upon the head of Ra. In order to act as his protection, the image of her became the uraeus symbol used on the royal crowns for all pharaohs."

She noticed a hand being raised. "Do you have a question?"

"Uh yeah…" Joey rubbed the back of his neck. "What exactly is a uraeus?"

"Seriously, Joey? You actually don't know what it is?" Tristan looked at him in disbelief.

"Lay off me, Tristan! That word sounds new to me!"

"She just said it's a symbol! So it's a symbol of protection!"

"Well, how am I supposed to know that?! And when did you get smart?! You usually fall asleep in class like I do!"

Tea covered both of their mouths with her hands, shushing them. "Enough! Its rude to interrupt someone who is telling the story!" She glanced at Sadiki. "Please forgive us. I believe they're still a little cranky from the jetlag."

Tristan and Joey tried to yell at her, but it only came out in muffles since their mouths were still covered by her hands.

Sadiki gave her a gentle smile. "Its all right. I don't mind answering any question they have. As for your friend's question, a uraeus is a symbol of a sacred serpent that symbolizes supreme power, and is worn on the headdresses of ancient Egyptian deities and sovereigns."

Joey removed Tea's hand from his mouth. "That makes sense. Thanks!"

"You're welcome. But please, wait until I finish the story and then I'll answer any more questions you have."

"Got it!"

"Good. Where was I? Oh yes! Her symbol as the protective deity of Lower Egypt caused her to be highly respected by everyone. Many royal families proudly wear her emblem since her protection can keep them safe from danger. I believe a lot of people like how she created the Eye of Ra, which is said to be the feminine counterpart to the sun god Ra. She was also associated with many gods and goddesses like Nekhbet, Min, and Horus.

However, there is something that no one knew about. Not even historians or scholars know about her secret. This secret relates to the meaning of her name."

Sadiki glanced at everyone. "You are all aware of Goddess Wadjet's name meaning 'Eye of the Moon' correct?"

They all nodded their heads as she continued to speak. "The reason she chose that name is because of a power she has, something that not even the other deities are aware of. Her power is to create rare, powerful jewels filled with her magic. Whatever jewel she'd design, it'll have both her magic and her blessing. It can make any person or animal be immune to poison or anything dangerous as long as they have the snake jewels near them, making the jewels think the particular person or animal has snake blood and Wadjet's protection.

She would make those jewels in secret so no one would know. Whenever she makes those particular jewels, she would create them into any type of jewelry for her followers or for her people. As long as they wear them, they are under her protection and will never betray her.

We believe her power to create those jewels might've came from the moon. We do not know if she borrowed the moon's power from the god of the moon known as Khonsu, but we do know he is associated with Min and Horus, so there is a chance he might have met her once."

Her finger traced the journal's cover. "No one is really sure where she kept her jewels, but I am certain-

"H-Hold on!" Malik placed his hand up to stop her. "F-Forgive me for interrupting, auntie. I-I think it's best we skip the part on her snake gems and get to the rest of the story."

"He is right, auntie. It is best we do not know anything about them. We only wish to know about Goddess Wadjet's story on how she became a mother," Ishizu stated.

Sadiki raised her eyebrow. "As you wish, my children." She cleared her throat and continued. "Even though Goddess Wadjet had everything she needed to become a powerful, immortal deity, she still felt unhappy. My ancestor, who was once Wadjet's oracle, noticed her goddess looking sad and sorrowful. She had never seen the cobra queen look so dejected before. She tried to figure out what was making her sad, but she could never figure out why.

My ancestor Dedet pleaded with Wadjet on why she is sad, and she finally got her answer. Goddess Wadjet confided to her that she felt empty, as if there is a hole in her heart that can never heal. The snake goddess thought she accomplished everything for her people, but she still felt empty. To her, it felt like something was missing in her life.

Dedet used her skills as an oracle to understand what her goddess is telling her. She first thought the queen is longing for a companion, but it wasn't that. Soon, she realized Wadjet wanted a family, meaning she wanted to have children of her own. Goddess Wadjet wished to be a mother and give them her love. Sadly, her queen cannot conceive due to her immortality.

The queen did thought of adopting, but had a feeling that she should wait. She felt that she would find the right children, and it did happen. Her followers came back to her temple after they completed their duties and brought in 3 small boys who were survivors after their village had been burned to the ground. Wadjet knew those 3 boys would be the ones she'll adopt and cherish as her own. To her, it felt like she has a connection with them."

Sadiki glanced at Malik, and then to Yugi and Ryou. "She named the 3 boys Heba, Riyu, and Namu. They were raised and loved by Goddess Wadjet and her snake clan in an underground temple hidden from view. She did not want anyone to learn of their existence, fearing for their safety if an unknown enemy wanted to target her by hurting her boys. Her followers made sure no one knew of their existence, and also helped train them so they would be ready if they ever do go to the outside world.

Dedet had never seen her goddess appear so happy before. Her yellow snake eyes would sparkle in delight whenever she sees her sons smiling at her. She realized that her queen craved for love, but not love for a mate. Wadjet wanted love from her children, and she gained that love. She loved them more than a mother loving her biological children. That type of love brought joy and bliss to her queen, my ancestor, her followers, and to her snakes. Henceforth, her sons were titled 'The Gems of Wadjet'."

Sadiki picked up the necklace and held it in front of her. "Heba was known as Wadjet's precious gem. He is always happy to help someone in need, and is a huge fan of games. His kindness and the way he smiles make him precious to her eyes." She placed the necklace back on the table and picked up a ring. "Riyu was known as Wadjet's beautiful gem. His white hair is very rare, and it reminded her of the moon. His kind, quiet nature and love for books made her believe he is very beautiful."

She placed the ring back on the table and picked up the bracelet, tracing the designs with her finger. "Namu was known as Wadjet's lovely gem. His courage and curiosity of the world would make his eyes sparkle, wanting to know what the outside world is like and wanting to fulfill his dreams. Maintaining a positive attitude and not letting anything stop his dream made him lovely like the sun. My ancestor referred to them as the star, moon, and sun of Buto."

Malik could feel his cheeks heating up, and he is certain Yugi and Ryou are feeling the same way. It's embarrassing to learn their ancestors were given those titles, but now his auntie's ancestor believed Namu and his brothers were like the sun, moon, and star? They were just normal young boys. They don't have any powers or anything.

"Goddess Wadjet gave them snake blood so they would be able to connect with her snakes and touch her snake jewels. They learned about the language of snakes, and were able to communicate and grow with them. The boys were given a snake to grow with, and they bonded as family.

As they grew up, they changed from small children into young adults. Wadjet believed they were ready to go to the outside world and fulfill her wishes. She sent them to find 7 rainbow mystical gems created by her and bring them back to the temple before the end of 1 year. She was certain they would succeed and come back home safe and sound.

But sadly, she had no idea it would be the last time she would see them alive. After she learned of their demise, she flew into an uncontrollable rage. The pain she felt from losing her children was unbearable, and she blamed humanity for what happened to them. She wanted justice, so she disappeared. No one knew where she went, but we believed she went to find her sons and give them a proper burial. Her followers hid her belongings in a secret room so they wouldn't be discovered or stolen by anyone.

Her final wish is to keep her secrets hidden safe so no one from the outside world would know about her. My ancestor decided that she and the rest of the snakes and followers would pass on the story of Goddess Wadjet from one generation to the next. Only those we can trust can learn of this story so no one would know where her temple is.

They decided to call themselves the Wasem Clan, a group who worship and protect Goddess Wadjet and her family from outside forces. The story is passed down from elder to child, and it is our duty to make sure her legacy is never forgotten."

Sadiki took a huge breath and released it, realizing she spoke for a long time. "Now then, do any of you have any questions?"

Everyone looked at each other, but Kaiba was the one who spoke up. "The temple of Nebesheh. Can we get all our answers from there?"

Surprised at his question, Sadiki nodded her head. "If me or one of my members are with you, you can explore the temple and visit Buto to meet more of our followers. Do you all wish to go there?"

"We do, auntie," Ishizu replied. "Your story of the cobra queen provided us good insight, and we would like to visit her temple and her city to get more answers on our questions."

"Then please tell me what are your questions. We would be happy to answer them," Sadiki said. "No need to be shy, everyone. You can please tell us."

Tea sheepishly raised her hand. "Q-Quick question, can everyone speak the language of snakes?"

Sadiki gave her a gentle smile. "A few of us are able to communicate with snakes. Unfortunately, we must keep our distance since many snakes are hesitant of humans. They only obey to their cobra queen and to no one else."

"O-Okay. T-Thank you," Tea gulped at her answer.

Bakura frowned, while folding his arms over his chest. "Who are those members who can speak the language of snakes?"

"I'm afraid I cannot tell you who they are. They wish for their identities to remain confidential so no one would know of their knowledge to talk to snakes."

Bakura tsked, but chose to let it go. He had a feeling its due to avoid being exposed to society on what their abilities are. Either used for good or evil, communicating with a dangerous reptile like snakes can be exciting, but it depends on how well a person can earn a snake's trust. He was able to earn Diabound's trust when he first met him as a snake, and they both worked together as partners in order to achieve their goals. He'll need to remember to ask Diabound if he knew anything about Riyu or Nagini.

"Auntie Sadiki," Odion replied. "Do you know what happened to Wadjet's snake jewels? The ones Heba and his brothers were looking for?"

Sadiki's lips stretched into a thin line. "I'm afraid I have no idea, Odion. There had been no record on what happened to Goddess Wadjet's snake gems. It's possible her snakes could know where the jewels are. Though it is best not to look for them. Only the cobra queen is able to control them with her powers."

"Are those jewels really that powerful?" Mariku asked. "How powerful is the snake queen?"

"Powerful as any other deity," Sadiki answered. "No one knows what type of power they have. Sometimes, they partially use their power in order to hide their true strength."

"I see," Mariku frowned. If Goddess Wadjet hid her true strength when they fought her, it means they were only lucky to defeat her thanks to the Creator of Light.

One of the cloaked figures cleared his throat, causing Sadiki to look at him and then at the clock. "Oh my. I had no idea the story would last for that long. Its already close to noon." She looked at Ishizu. "Sweetheart, you and your guests must stay for lunch. We'll prepare a traditional, home-cooked meal to celebrate you and your siblings visiting us along with the arrival of the pharaoh and his friends."

"Thank you, auntie. It would be nice, but I'm afraid we are very busy-

"Oh nonsense!" Sadiki cut her off, waving her hand at her. "You all deserve a break from travelling so far to come here. Please let us treat you all to a yummy feast. Just let us know what foods you can eat and what foods you cannot eat. We'll make the food both vegetarian and non-vegetarian."

Ishizu tried to open her mouth, but Odion placed his hand on her shoulder and shook his head no. Since their aunt is stubborn like their mother, they had no choice but to agree to it. It had been a long time since they visited their aunt and the rest of their family members from their mother's side.

"Yugi, how long must we wait here?" Yami asked, while sitting down on a soft chair.

"He's right," Joey slouched on a chair across from him. "Isn't that Professor Hawkins guy supposed to be here already? Its already past 2!"

"He said he'll be here at around 2," Yugi looked from left to right. "He said to meet us inside the hotel's entrance."

"I hope he isn't running late. We gotta conserve our time carefully," Tea pointed out.

"She's got a point. Plus, we gotta go back to school in a few days," Tristan added.

Joey groaned. "Please don't remind me! I just wanted to enjoy this vacation, not think about school!"

"Wheeler, please keep your negative thoughts on destroying the school to yourself," Kaiba replied, typing his laptop on his lap that was held in his briefcase as he sat on a chair next to him.

"I still don't get why you want to stay here in the lounge with us," Tristan frowned. "If memory serves, you don't like us."

"I'm actually neutral towards you all," Seto answered and closed his laptop along with his briefcase. "I still wish to challenge Yami to a duel and I need to make sure Wheeler won't get injured or killed by poisonous snakes or anything related to the cobra queen."

"I-I'm gonna get bitten by a snake!?" Joey paled. "T-This is why I don't like snakes! They're evil!"

Tea shushed him. "Not too loud! We don't want to anger her or any of her followers!"

"Cobras were worshipped in my time since they are associated with both Ra and Wadjet. Like cats and other animals, they are considered sacred and we must give them the highest respect they deserve," Yami stated. "It is best not to insult their names here in Egypt."

"G-Got it!" Joey squeaked.

Shaking his head at his antics, Yugi looked back at the entrance and yelped as he felt something pounce on him and hug him. Regaining his balance with Tea placing her hands on his back to steady him, he breathed out a sigh of relief and looked down to see blonde hair covering his vision. "R-Rebecca?"

Giggling, she broke the hug and stepped back with her hands behind her back. "I'm glad you remembered me, darling!"

Joey and Tristan held back a snicker while Tea was silently fuming at Rebecca trying to flirt with Yugi, who is blushing pink from what she called him. Even after all this time, Rebecca still harbors a crush on Yugi and proclaims that he is her boyfriend. Tea doubts that Rebecca actually loves Yugi, and only has a silly crush on him.

Seto didn't care about the interaction, but he did notice Yami slightly shaking while clenching his fists tightly while secretly glaring at Rebecca. This caused Seto to raise his eyebrow. He'd never thought his rival would actually glare at someone, especially Rebecca. True the pharaoh would glare at a lot of people, but not with a glare full of hate. Its almost like his rival is jealous.

A small smirk formed on Kaiba's face. Looks like he has something to use against Yami once he gets his chance to duel him. He has a pretty good idea on why the pharaoh is feeling jealous, but he'll wait and see if the pharaoh will make a move first.

"Yugi! Everyone!" Professor Hawkins hurried over to them. "Forgive us for waiting that long! You'll have to blame the roads and dessert for giving us a delay."

"Its okay, Professor Hawkins," Yugi smiled at him. "We're just glad to see you again."

"Likewise," Hawkins smiled back. "Your grandfather already informed us of all of you being here. I've already completed my work in Cairo. Is there anything all of you need?"

"Just say the word and we'll help you!" Rebecca piped up while smiling with her eyes closed.

"Do any of you know anything about the Temple of Nebesheh?" Yugi questioned. "We need to go there along with the city of Buto."

Arthur blinked at him. "Temple of Nebesheh? I have heard of it. It's in the ancient city of Imet, a site in which they dedicate the temple to the cobra queen of Ancient Egypt known as Goddess Wadjet. You wish to go there along with Buto?"

Yugi nodded. "That's right. We need answers on Goddess Wadjet and her sons."

"Sons?" Rebecca asked.

"Her sons were known as the snake princes of Buto," Yami answered, standing up from the chair. "One of them is Yugi's ancestor, who is someone I knew from my time as pharaoh."

Rebecca gasped and jumped back, pointing at him with her finger shaking. "Y-You're the other Yugi!?" She then pointed her finger back and forth from Yugi to Yami. "H-How is that possible!? I-I thought you actually went back to the afterlife!?"

"I'm afraid it's a very long story, Rebecca," Yugi said, and then looked at Hawkins. "Will you come with us to see the Temple of Nebesheh?"

Professor Hawkins placed a finger on his chin in a thinking pose. "It's a 2 hour and 11 minute drive from here to Tanis. We will have to take a car to get there. If we go there now, it'll already be late once we go there. Its best if we wait until tomorrow morning while daylight is out." He then glanced at Yugi. "Is that alright with you?"

"I believe its fine with us," Yugi answered. He noticed Rebecca is still a little shocked from seeing Yami in his actual body and not as a spirit. "I'm guessing you still want to know the whole story, right?"

Rebecca quickly nodded her head. "T-This is obviously impossible! Isn't he a ghost!?"

"Calm down, Rebecca," Arthur chuckled. "Lets listen to their story on how the other Yugi came back to the land of living."

"And you better listen well because we're all getting tired of having to repeat the story," Joey replied.

"You said it," Tristan added.

Malik sucked in a gulp of air and released it as the wind blew against his hair. He missed his birth home. He missed feeling the clean air, the gentle breeze, and the peacefulness with no worries at all. He did like Domino City, but it was very crowded and noisy. The foods were different along with the people, and they all spoke in a different language. However, he missed having to see his close family members.

He was glad to no longer live in the underground. He hated being the heir of the Tomb-Keepers, hated to have the carving on his back in order to protect the pharaoh and its legacy. But most of all, he hated how there is still danger related to him and to his friends and family.

Placing his hands on the rails, he continued to gaze at the blue sky while ignoring everything around him. He still couldn't believe his ancestor is the adopted son of the cobra queen, and he can communicate with snakes. This was something Malik would never do in a million years. He can't stand being near a snake, especially aggressive ones that would bite him and possibly poison him. He wished that fear would go away, but it still etched in his mind.

There's no way he would be like Namu. They're both different from each other. The Namu from Ancient Egypt is probably braver and more courageous than he is. If he can handle communicating and living with snakes, he can easily handle whatever types of danger he'd encounter. Plus, he wasn't even afraid of Mariku's ancestor who was an assassin a long time ago.

As for Malik, he still can't get over the fact his darker half is now alive and part of the land of living. Its true he is no longer afraid of Mariku, but he's still trying to establish a bond with him. Hopefully, he and Mariku would create a friendship that would evolve soon. But for now, he'll need to be patient. His other half is still adjusting to this era and is sorting through his memories of his time as an assassin and knowing about Namu.

It did surprise Malik when he actually saw Mariku cry after he got his memories back from Aurelia. He'd never seen his other half show any other type of emotion besides hatred, anger, and malevolence. He would smile, but it would always be evil. However, he remembered Mariku giving him a genuine smile after they talked about what happened when Mariku woke up and got his memories.

It looked like those memories helped Mariku remembered what he was really like. No longer does he felt scary, but actually warm. He could still remember the time when he patted Malik's head and carried him when he was unconscious.

Placing his hand on his chest, he could feel his heart thumping loudly against his ribcage. What does this mean to Malik? Is Mariku more than just a friend to him? More than a partner? Can their relationship be strong and stable like Namu and Heru had?

So deep in his thought that he didn't hear someone calling his name until he felt someone touching his shoulder and shaking. Blinking once, he turned his head to find Mariku standing in front of him while frowning.

"What is on your mind, hikari?" he asked. "You seem distracted."

Malik shook his head. "I-Its nothing, really." He cleared his throat and looked at him. "What brings you to the roof top?"

Mariku gazed at him for a few seconds, but then answered. "Your siblings asked me to come get you. We must leave and go back to where the others are."

"Already?" Malik looked at the sky, and then back at him. "Alright then. Lets not keep them waiting."

Before he could go to the door, he felt his arm getting grabbed. Turning his head, he quirked his eyebrow. "Is there something you needed, Mariku?"

"Malik," he replied in a tone that almost sounded soft to him. "Remember what I told you before when I got my memories back. You and Namu are not the same. You're both different people. You're Malik Ishtar, the heir to the Tomb-Keepers and a normal boy who loves the outside world. You don't talk to snakes and you will never let one go near you due to your fear." He pulled him closer, and leaned over for his lips to hover near his ear. "It doesn't matter if you and Namu are related or not. You're still my hikari and I'm still your yami. You're brave in your own way so keep that in mind. Never forget who you are."

He then released Malik, who continued to walk to the door. As he watched Malik place his hand on the door handle, he noticed him shaking but it soon stopped when Malik turned his head and gave him a genuine smile. "Thank you, Mariku. I really needed that."

Malik opened the door and went back inside, prompting Mariku to smirk as he followed him. Looks like he was right. His hikari still has issues on his own identity of who he should really be. Hopefully, his words can actually help his lighter half remember his true self and to not be someone else. He can't let Malik be insecure on his emotions and doubt his ability. He must remember that he is strong and courageous in his own way.

What do you guys think? I hope you all like this chapter! Please review the story because the next chapter will show Ryou introducing his father to Bakura and everyone going to Tanis and then to Buto! Watch out for it!