*Disclaimer, I do not own House of Anubis all of that belongs to Nickelodeon, Hans Bourlon and Gert Verhulst. I, however, own Cammie and her little storyline :P I hope you enjoy!*

Series 1, Episode 46~ House of Bribes


The fact the Rutter twins had fought/were fighting spread quickly within Anubis house. It was something that rarely happened but it did make for a tense few days within the house before one of the two missed the other so much they ended up having a twin evening – with films and snacks – and all was right again with the two. Anubis house had to just wait until that time came.

Camilla was made aware of the whole house knowing of her and Fabian's fight when she got back to her room after a morning shower – something very unusual for Camilla as she hated going to school with wet hair but also hated the 45 minuets it took to blow dry her hair, so she stuck to evening shower. Walking into her bedroom, her hair up in a towel to help get some of the water out of it, Camilla saw a tray of an assortment of breakfast foods – buttered toast, blueberry and chocolate chip muffins, scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, fruit, her large flask of what she assumed would be tea and three teacups – two full already – enough food for three girls to snack on as they got ready. But most importantly enough food so Camilla didn't have to go downstairs.

"Ta-Da!" Was Ambers response to Camilla's confused and slightly sleepy face looking to the breakfast tray trying to figure out why it was on her bed. Amber of course was fully dressed and as hyper as a bee on the first day of spring, quite the contrast to the two other girls who she shared a room with. "I just thought... considering today is..." Amber faltered looking to Nina who was sat on her bed in a black dress, the girl was clearly unsure as if she could say the words out loud. Scared to make it real.

"Sarah's Funeral?" Nina prompted for Amber with a sad smile, "its okay you can say it."

"Well... considering it is that." Amber turned her attention back to Camilla – all of them hearing the silent but clear 'and you are fighting with Fabian' that Amber didn't add in, "I thought you could eat up here while we pick out your outfit! Gosh I'm glad Nina let me choose her's last night. Imagine having to dress two of you in such short notice!" with that Amber bustled over to the wardrobe that backed against the wall between her bed and Camilla's. There were only two wardrobes in the room and Amber's clothes filled them both – though Nina and Camilla did have some space some how for their clothes too. Throwing open the wardrobe Amber got to work, throwing out black skirts and tops and dresses onto her bed of both Camilla's and her own so she could pick the right outfit.

Camilla wandered over to her bed and picked up some toast nibbling on it, her eyes glancing once again to the envelope with the words 'The Protector' that lay unopened on her pillow. She didn't have the heart yet to open it. Part of her didn't want to know what Sarah's final words to her where. It make her death seem so much more real. Camilla didn't have many adults in her life to begin with – not reliable ones anyway – she didn't want to have to say goodbye yet to another one.

Nina got up and looked at herself in her full-length mirror, pulling her hair up out of her face, watching Camilla in the mirror. She was as curious as to what the letter said as Camilla but it was Camilla's, she would wait until the girl was ready to tell her what was in it.

"I think this would look amazing on you," Amber excitedly exclaimed, pulling a dress from the bed and holding out for Camilla to see. The dress was form fitted so it hug Camilla perfectly stopping just below her knee, and it had chiffon sleeves. It wasn't too flashy, but it screamed Camilla.

"There is more to life than deciding what I am going to wear to a funeral, Amber..." Camilla replied with a mouthful of toast. Ambers only response to this was to throw the dress at her friend as if to say 'just put the thing on'. Of course, Camilla knew better than to argue with her friend – especially when it came to fashion – so grabbed the dress and wandered to their folding screen so she could change into said dress.

There was a slight silence apart from a muttered greeting from the girls, from the tone of their voices Camilla knew it was Fabian. They weren't talking but she wasn't going to say he wasn't allowed in their room. He wanted to be there for Nina as she had lost someone, Camilla got that. As Camilla got out from behind the screen, she sat on her bed and started to pull on her converse, glad Amber had looked out a bag and her bomber Jacket for her to wear (placing both at the end of the bed.) Fabian scratched the back of his neck, and looked away from Camilla towards Nina. It was clear he was about as ready to say sorry as Camilla was.

Amber being the goddess she was sensed the tension and decided to break it in the way only she knew how. "Okay," she started looking at herself in her vanity mirror as she applied blush, "So I got beaten by a mathlete in the election. I can't hide away in here, forever can I?" She asked the room, watching as Nina pulled on her jacket, Fabian on Nina's bed trying not to appear as awkward as he clearly felt, and Camilla tying her shoe laces up toast in her mouth – very lady like. "Its not like my lives over or anything..." Camilla flinched at Amber's choice of words and it appeared she noticed as she pulled a face and turned to look at Nina. "I'm so sorry Nina..."

"It's okay," Nina smiled at Amber even if it was a little forced.

Fabian got to his feet as Camilla did, watching his sister pull on her jacket as Nina took one last glance over her outfit. "You've always got us, remember." Fabian told the American.

"Why don't you buy some flowers..." Amber handed Camilla some cash.

"Ambs I can't take your money..." Camilla softly said to her friend.

Amber however gave Camilla a knowing look, "but you can use your own pocket money to get Sarah flowers?" Camilla uncomfortably looking towards a teddy that was on her bedside table whose head looked a little loose, it seemed Amber had sussed her out, "its from all of us. Please, Camilla, we want you too." Camilla took the cash and put it in the small bag that was on her bed. She'd give it to Nina to get flowers for Sarah as she'd probably have a better idea than her as to what to get her.

"Alfie, she is not...!" Patricia's voice was heard before she and Alfie burst into the bedroom, interrupting Camilla and Ambers moment – and from the way Nina and Fabian jumped away from one another a Fabiana moment too.

"I didn't say ..." Alfie started but before he could say anything else Patricia was talking again.

"Tell him, Fabian or you Camilla..." Patricia started causing Camilla to mentally groan, what were they arguing about now that involved a twin-intervention, "He reckons, Joy is one of them!"

This was what all the interrupting was about, today was not the day Camilla needed to deal with this. Fabian was on his own. "I didn't say she is, but her dad defiantly is!" Alfie insisted, causing Camilla to look away. She remembered the cellar as well as Alfie did... she just didn't want to believe Victor was truly a bad guy. She knew there had to be more to what she and Alfie saw. But what? She wasn't sure yet. Of course, she didn't say any of this. Her and Fabian weren't talking.

"Whao! Wait? Rewind..." Fabian interrupted raising a hand causing the two to stop talking, "What?!"

"Trixi was showing me some photos on her phone," Alfie started to explain.

"And one of them is of me and Joy and her mum and dad," Patricia continued for him, Camilla couldn't help but pull a face. It was freaky hearing them talk like that – no wonder people hated it when she and Fabian finished each other's sentences.

"And it was him," Alfie explained, "the man from the cellar," he prompted at the confused looks from all but Camilla, "Joys dad!"

"I knew it!" Nina muttered from beside Camilla.

"Well... even if Joy's dad is involved," Patricia started to argue, "there is no way that Joy would ever be!" Camilla couldn't help but murmur her agreement to this causing a grin to form on Patricia's face. Camilla had lived with Joy for years, if the girl was evil-evil not just high school bitchy evil she'd know – or she'd hope she'd know anyway.

"But she did back up his story..." Fabian commented.

"Oh, come on!" Camilla scoffed sending her brother a look, one he was more than happy to return with his own evil look.

Thankfully Patricia had also exclaimed so the tension between the twins wasn't what everyone had to deal with, "Fabian! This is Joy we're talking about. Joy!" She emphasised Joy's name as if to remind Camilla's twin of the girl he was friends with before Nina arrived. "You and her were really close!" Camilla bit her lip and looked down at her shoes, she knew Patricia only added the last part to tell the twins what side of their argument she was on. Camilla's. "Remember?" she added innocently giving Camilla a wink when the girl looked to her a grin on her face.

This caused Fabian to look to Nina flustered before turning back to Patricia and Alfie who were both grinning from ear to ear. Camilla knew they had flustered her twin to get him back for shouting at her. Jerome didn't know the whole story but he saw that much and if was going to give that information to anyone it be the two trying not to laugh at Fabian's flustering ways. "What – No, eh," Fabian started, "we weren't that close.."

This caused Alfie to just laugh as Camilla rolled her eyes dramatically. Patricia however was a woman on a mission a mission that was failing a little but still, "You people are unbelievable!" she screamed before storming from the room.

"We'd better be off..." Nina muttered after a pause, all of them focused on the now shut door.

"Yeah." Camilla softly agreed, holding a hand out to Nina who was more than happy to take it. Both girls needed as much comfort as they could get today. "We'll see you later." Camilla told the Sibuna's in the room with a smile, before Nina lead her from the door.

The drive to the graveyard in the back of Victor's car was a tense one, however due to the seriousness of why they weren't in school Victor did nothing but glower at them.

The service was nice?

Camilla wasn't entirely sure how a person was meant to judge a funeral service. It was nicer than her grandparent's ones, but any funeral would be better than those ones. Those funerals meant her family had to all be in one room for an extended time and actually play nice – which never went well. Alcohol and much boasting later meant Fabian and Camilla had to run to their hotel rooms to escape the chaos every Rutter family reunion became.

Camilla stood next to Nina who was clutching onto the bright yellow flowers they had gotten as if it was her last life line. Camilla could see the tears that ran down her face and couldn't help but frown at herself. Why wasn't she as torn up over Sarah as Nina seemed to be – she kept arguing to herself it was because Nina needed someone strong to be there for her. So, there she stood, emotionless watching the service as it went on. She was like Victor who stood behind her, he stood tall, slightly stubborn and appeared unapproachable...

"And so today," the Priest read from his Bible, "we entrust our sister Emily to god's mercy." Camilla felt blessing Sarah to god was wrong, Sarah grew up on the Egyptian gods not the all seeing one in the sky. They should be blessing her body and readying it for her immortal life, casting spells on her casket to help her in her passage through the halls of Judgement before seeing Osiris. Of course, she didn't say that it cause too much trouble.

"Sarah," Nina muttered from beside her, causing Camilla to come out of her thoughts to grab her friends' hand in comfort, "her name was Sarah..."

"And now we conclude her body to the ground. Earth to Earth. Ashes to Ashes. Dust to Dust." The Priest concluded, before gesturing to Nina to step forward with her flowers.

Nina did, shaking a little as she placed the yellow lilies onto the coffin before it was lowered to the ground.

With that the funeral was over, and Camilla heard talk of a little get together at the old peoples home down the road. "You coming Cam?" Nina asked as she wiped her eyes, they both had stayed to themselves watching as they filled the ground with earth on the coffin.

"you go ahead... I need to do something," Camilla softly said her eyes on the headstone. She had made her mind up, mainly because the whole thing felt wrong. She needed to help Sarah in some way through her journey to Osiris – a little help would be better than no help.

Nina seemed to understand – somewhat – that Camilla had a mission to complete, and squeezed her hand before moving off with the few small friends who'd come to pay their respects to 'Emily'.

Camilla moved forward and placed a hand on 'Emily's headstone, the first thing she had to do was change it to her real name. She took a quick glance at her ring and prayed to Isis – she didn't know why she chose the goddess but she had always been drawn to her during her youth and right now she needed guidance from someone. It took a second but suddenly she felt warmth fill her, as if the goddess herself knew how important this was to Camilla and had decided to guide her. Opening her eyes she saw her ring glow, and the words came to her as she slowly passed her hand over the name etched into the stone, "Nomen Tuum Verum Appareat Scientibus, Nomen Tuum Verum Appareat Scientibus," Camilla muttered softly, letting her instincts take over and smiling as she watched the name 'Emily Grant' turn to 'Sarah Frobisher-Smythe'.

The process was slow, and tiring work. Taking all of Camilla's concentration, however once her work was done, she sat back in one swift movement, causing her to go a little light headed as she felt a warm substance leak from her nose. She was still new to magic, and this wasn't done in an emotional burst so took a lot of energy out of her. She rummaged through her purse and found a tissue wiping up the blood as best she could so not to scare Nina when she got to the home. "Sarah, I'm sorry I haven't got the words to say goodbye. Nor the fact I haven't read your last words to me. I just... it didn't feel real, until now, I brought it with me. Are you okay if I open it now?" Camilla whispered to the headstone, before taking a deep breath to steady herself as she pulled the evnvelope out from her bag. The words 'The Protector' were qwritten on it, and she turned it over to see the wax seal. With a deep breath she broke the wax and opened it, pulling out the paper inside.

My dearest Camilla.

I told you once before that you have the hardest job of them all, and I am sorry to leave you before you find your guardian. I wish I could have guided you more, but all I had to offer was a ring from my past and my own Protector. Keep hunting, you protectors are stbborn lots which makes you so good at what you do. With me going Nina will need you more than ever, and I can only hope I have prepared her enough for the adventures the Gods have fated for you both.

I have left you a small note, something with words from my parents that got me through my hardest days. I want you to have this now, let their wisedome guide you like it did me.

You are the best of us, which is never easy.

You are stronger than you know, and more involved than you'd like to belive. I trust you.

Sarah.

Camilla took a deep stuttering breath before moving to the older papyrus parchment that was hidden behind it.

Dear Sarah,

it is time for us to depart my darling. That's the truth of things. The Stars have had this written in them since Ra's first journey. We need to leave now, so you can find the one the gods are waiting for.

Things between your father and I may not always have been easy, but when I think of my life and my life's achievements, I always think of you. How far you will go. The adventures you will have. The women you will become. There will be moments in your life that will be hard. That's okay. Don't forget to smile. To love. To be young before you are old.

You have been given what may feel like an impossible task, however your task is merely a stepping stone for those to come. Be ready for them. Guide them. The gods are always watching you my darling, so never fear you are alone. May Isis's protector find you, so together you can teach what need to be taught. Learn the lessons so those who are needed to fight have the knowledge to do so.

Remember it's okay to hold on tight to those you love and to let go of the ones who do more damage than good. Be present. Look around, what you seek could be right under your nose the whole time. This world can feel so big, to be present, laugh and love. You may just change the world that way, even if it's simple someone else's world.

Mum and dad.

Camilla wiped the tears away from her cheeks. The words from Sarah's parents felt as if they were talking to her too, as if they were proud of her. They were words she'd never heard from her own parents but they were nice to read none the less "I vow to you and to the gods and goddesses of old, that I will do everything I can to help Nina succeed in what she needs to do. You can rest now. Let the arms of Isis guide you to your parents, where you and they can remain forever under the eyes of Anubis and Osiris." It wasn't much. Hell, it was the most pathetic blessing ever. If Fabian was there, she knew he could probably recite a proper blessing in full... she wasn't the twin who knew the knowledge she was the action one. However, Fabian wasn't here and Sarah didn't have anyone to wish her luck and blessings on her journey so Camilla did what she could. She could only hope it was enough.

Nina must have said something because no one questioned why Camilla slipped into the nursing home no one sent her strange looks – well no one but Nina who rushed over to her and pulled her away from everyone else before she started wiping at her friend's face. "Is that blood?"

"I got a nose bleed, I thought I got it all off." Camilla muttered, taking the compact mirror Nina had and wiped the rest of the drying blood off her face.

Thankfully before Nina could do more than give Camilla a look that clearly read 'I don't believe you', the woman in charge of the nursing home came over to talk to the girls, taking their arms gently and pulling them into the room.

"She would have been very touched the both of you came," the woman informed the two young girls, "by the way did you open Emily's –"

Before she could say anything, else Nina interrupted, a quick glance to Victor who was standing nearby and looking particularly interested. "It was a very beautiful service." Nina told her. "well I thought it was a very beautiful service." She repeated after noticing Camilla's look.

"Now you all take a seat and I'll pop the tea on." She told everyone at large before moving off.

"That was close," Camilla whispered before letting herself and Nina be guided to their chairs by the priest, Camilla glanced around the room as he started talking – not hearing a word he said. Victor had gone missing and that didn't bode well to her.

"Nina..." Camilla hissed causing the girl to look her way, "Victor has gone." She smiled to the priest as Nina looked around.

"Can you excuse us," Nina muttered before she and Camilla were out their seats. There was one place they could both think he'd gone. One place they knew well. Sarah's room.

It seemed they weren't the only ones to assume something was up in Sarah's room. As they rounded the corner, they could see Victor stood by Sarah's door, clearly watching someone inside from the sounds they could hear. After a moment Victor pushed on the door and stepped inside, leaving the door open a crack but that was all that was needed for the girls. Both of them racing forward as quietly as they could.

Inside the room with Rufus. It seemed there was going to be a confrontation.

"What exactly are you looking for Zeno?" Victor asked in his cold calculating voice.

"Victor?" Rufus seemed surprised to see him, but he didn't sound scared. To Camilla it sounded like he was mocking the man. "how lovely to see you."

"I wish I could say the same." Came Victors instant remark causing Camilla to grin. She loved Victors dry wit when it wasn't directed at her. "You have something that belongs to me I believe."

This caused Nina to glance to Camilla in confusion.

"Oh, the elixir?" Rufus spoke casually, "its all gone I'm afraid, or very nearly. Same as your supply I imagine."

"I'm not talking about your little theft." Victor venomously spoke. Camilla was getting worried now... Victor was going to realise who had the puzzle pieces. "I'm talking about the items you took from my safe."

There was a pause, where the took girls looked at each other in realisation. They were in trouble.

"I don't know what your talking about?" Rufus spoke softly.

"ohh I think you do."

"And what would you give me Victor? In return for them?" Rufus asked. Camilla pulled a face, was he honestly trying to play Victor for something he didn't have? How valuable were the puzzle pieces they had?!

"I don't do deals." Victor clearly spoke deadpan.

"Oh come, come, we know that's not true. Little Protector." Rufus spoke softly, "we did a deal all those years ago to swindle Sarah out of her home!"

"She wanted to leave," Victor argued. "she'd always hated the place."

"Where is the Chosen one?!" Rufus argued.

"Where are the Ank Pieces?" Victor argued in return their voices getting raised.

"We are going around in circles!" Rufus groaned in frustration. "you do realise, the Joy by herself is totally useless?"

"If you mean, do I also have the 7 acolytes then yes its all been arranged." Victor calmly spoke.

"Oh yes," Rufus' voice became soft, but in a venomous way that made Camilla even more scared. "the tipping of the scales. A life for a life. That old legend. But only I know what that really means. No, you better tell me where Joy is or I will make you... because only I know the truth, and only I know what will really happen when the Chosen One and the Cup come together."

Camilla desperately wanted to go in there and protect Victor, Rufus seemed even more dangerous than before but she knew she couldn't. She knew Victor could handle himself.

"Now tell me where she is!"

Camilla had had enough and went to grab Nina and pull her away, however the nursing home lady came rushing forward and barged into the room, "What is going on?" she asked. Causing the two men to look her way, also causing them to see Camilla and Nina behind her looking on curiously.

"Renay? Why weren't you at your Aunts Funeral?" she asked looking to Rufus, causing Camilla and Victor this time to share a look as they both made to take a step in front of Nina, as if Rufus had to go through Victor and then Camilla to get to the girl and the woman in charge of the nursing home.

Rufus looked from Victor to Camilla and a grin formed on his face, one that Camilla didn't like. "so that's where you fit in..." he muttered soft enough that Victor anf Camilla both heard but before either could question it, he'd brushed past everyone and stormed down the hallway out of sight.

Once he was away Victor finally seemed to compute why the two students where there... they had heard everything.


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