Patron Part 4
Previously: Nefret and Chroias have become good friends. Xerxes becomes
jealous and frames Nefret for stealing the gauntlet. She is banished but
brought back home. For his treachery Nefret banishes Xerxes from the Land
of the Black Sand. Enraged Xerxes turned to Aladdin for revenge. The heroes
storm the Citadel with a Cryptic, a crystal that steals the souls of those
who posses magic. Nefret being the only non-magical one fights and breaks
the Cryptic. But the force released knocked her into a coma. Chroias,
Mozenrath, and Jasmine hunt down the cure and Nef is restored to health.
With her friend and confidant back Chroias reviles that she is pregnant by
Mozenrath........
Disclaimer: Mozenrath, Xerxes, Aladdin, Jasmine, Genie, Abu and Carpet are
property of Disney. Chroias belongs to Kalynnn Osburn. Nefret and Anubis
are mine. Rated Pg for suggestive content.
Chapter 36 (by me, Laura)
Nefret was so tired that no real thought had gone into the latest revelation. It had not yet donned on her how Mozenrath would feel, or what things would be like from here on out. No, those thoughts she could wait a little while, right now all's she could think of was how good the soft bed felt. With a sigh her plum colored head nestled deeper into the pillow. But after that initial euphoria of comfort, she also found herself troubled. "This is a happy event Roias." She tried her best to make the sentence into a statement, but a questioningly tone clung to the edges of her voice. The demon, now ready for bed, appeared from behind the screen. Her look told it all. Nefret fell back into the pillow and stared at the ceiling, becoming aware of the shift in the mattress as Chroias sat down beside her. "It will be." Nef breathed, determination dominated her voice rather than certainty. "I love babies." Her voice turned cheerful. "When I was at the temple mothers would come in to pray to Hathor for their children, or to have children. The birth houses were regular circuses! Mothers and babies in and out all the time. Sometimes I began to believe the citizens of Dendera where all to busy, if you know what I mean." She laughed slightly and rolled unto her side to look at the demon. "You have delivered babies, haven't you?" Roias asked causally running her hand over her belly. "Course I have. What kind of priestess of Hathor would I be if I couldn't do that? I'm a regular Jackie of all trades! Make shift scribe, entertainer, midwife." "Minion." Chroias added. A pillow promptly found it's way to the side of her head. Things got quite for a moment and Roias had figured Nef had fallen asleep. But her soft voice made itself known again "My mother died while giving birth to me. And I've seen at least 6 woman die on the birthing bed at the temple." Her voice was somber and Chroias knew what she was thinking about. "No need to worry. I'm not like most mothers." She pointed out. "Now do you see why I need you around?" Nefret raised her eyes in response, her lips pulling to one side. "You have to tell him." Chroias winced visibly at Nef's words. "He has to know. It's not like you hide it long, it will be more than obvious in a few months anyways." "Soon. I just have to catch him at the right time!" She settled down into the bed, feeling a bit better. After all, she had at least one person on her side. And maybe between the two of them, and the separate influences they held over Mozenrath, things would come out all right. "Now you're going to help me name it." She breathed lightly, focusing on the lighter aspects of motherhood. "Well that depends on what it is." Nef called to attention in a sleepy voice. "Lets see, if it's a boy.." "No, no, no! I mean what it is." She gave a quick glance to the demons horns. With an indignant cry Chroias flung the blankets over Nefret's head and refused to let them be pulled back. "Alright, I was just kidding!" She sputtered wrenching her head above the covers. With a huff they both settled back. "And you're going to tell him?" Nef asked again, just to make sure. "Soon." *** Mozenrath lay in his own bed. While he wasn't exactly thrilled with the events of the day, all in all, the outcome suited him. The hero was in his control, his minion had been return to health and back into his services, and a certain treacherous familiar had been found out. Now maybe things would return to normal. He could torment Aladdin, Nefret would return too normal tasks, and thing would be as they always have been. But something in the back of his mind told him that was only a dream, and reality would be hitting soon. Chapter 37 (by Kalynn)
Chroias yawned and stretched out of bed. She glanced at Nefret on the bed beside hers and smiled. It would be a comfort to know at least one experienced girl would be here for her. She swayed back slightly. The dizziness was already beginning to take effect. Within the next few days here belly would be in full swell. She cringed gently when she remembered humans took nine months to birth a child. It disgusted her. But since the baby was to be half demon half human Chroias wasn't really sure what to think. 'With any luck it'll be handsome' Chroias had found herself witness to several half cast births that had turned out deformed and was desperately praying to every god she knew that this one would look better. Nefret yawned gently and stood. "Sleep well." she questioned pointedly looking down at the demonesses stomach. "Just fine." she smiled. Nefret hated to bring this up. But... "We have to tell him." she noted. Chroias feigned stupidity. "We have to." Nefret said again. "He's going to be able to tell soon enough. Within a few months." She started making the bed. "Within a few days." Chroias countered. Nefret gave here a half questioning half fearful look. "Demon babies go twice as fast as human. Though I'm unsure of how a demon and human child will go." Chroias felt her thought stray momentarily. She wasn't truly worried about Mozenrath. It was her father who held her concerns. She knew he would disapprove of the bastered child. Of course Chroias herself had been conceived long before Hades and Persephonie had gotten hitched. What with Hades having actually kidnapped her mother and all. Nefret was thankfully unable to pick up on her thoughts. "Let's go tell him." she grabbed Chroias's arm "Now!!" she pushed on the struggling demoness. "All right I'm going! !I'm going!" Chroias giggled. "Don't be so rough with a pregnant lady!!" Nefret laughed out loud as she pushed the green haired girl down Mozenrath's hall. "Trust me, your no lady." If Chroias could have turned she would have slapped that girl. Chapter 38 (by me)
Mozenrath sat staring obliviously at the breakfast meal resting on the table. A soft pit pat reached his ears, the sound of Nefret's bear feet against the marble, countered the blunt click of Chroias's boots. Nef seemed to be back to normal. A good nights sleep had done the trick. Roias however was far too subdued. "Good morning my lord." Nefret's voice was brisk and all too charming. "Your night was pleasant I trust?" she didn't really expect and answer, and indeed did not get one. The girls sat down on the table and uncovered their plates. Picking up her cup Nefret made a point to give Chroias a sharp jab with her elbow. The demon responded by giving her an equally sharp kick under the table. Mozenrath's eyebrows knotted a bit as he observed a sudden pained look flash across his assistant's face, but decided not to pursue it. "Well, are we feeling better this morning?" He directed the comment to Nefret. In response Nef smiled and her eyes flashed in Chroias direction. Taking the slight hint he looked to his girlfriend. "And how are you?" "I feel sick." Chroias grumbled. Nefret wielded around to her friend, that wasn't exactly what she was expecting her to say. But indeed Chroias near white face had taken on a greenish tint that was the perfect rival for her hair. Roias pushed her plate away and rested her elbow on the table and in turn her head in her hand. The demon gladly accepted the glass of water Nef thrust at her. A few sips drained the green from her face and diminished the queasiness that had been churning somewhere in her belly. "Mozenrath.." She began determined but seemed to falter a bit. Another, slightly less sharp, jab from Nef set her straight again. "It really is a shame you know." Mozenrath, and even Nefret looked a bit confused by her words. "I mean, you have collected so much magic, learned so much! The greatest sorcerer of our age, and what will happen to it when you're gone? Sure you may live on in name for a while, but soon forgotten. Even with the help of the sharks tooth, you can't live forever. All things must, and will die. All things but that which is pasted down. Knowledge, legacy and even power can live on if they are pasted down. It is the greatest gift, eternity." She let that hang in the air for a moment for philosophical effect. Nef smiled, knowing where this was going. "Truly the ultimate endowment. A gift you shall have the honor to receive very soon. That is my gift to you my love, eternality. Immortality in the form of a child." She gave Mozenrath a smile, a kind of smile that stressed the old saying 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth.' The sorcerer's mouth opened and closed a few times giving the impression of a fish out of water. His eyes rolled to Nefret who was shoveling food in her mouth, tying in vain to act natural. But she could just barely keep her lips from turning up. Mozenrath's back hit hard against the chair back. His mouth began its futile gaping exercise again, but with a deep breath he stopped to regain his composure. Then his head shot back to his lover and his lips parted, but this time with purpose. Chapter 39 (by kalynn)
Mozenrath sat perfectly still for a full second. The look on Chroias's face was priceless. An artistic mixture of fearful anticipation and half morning sickness. Something many mothers are fully aware of. Mozenrath stood. His heels clicked against the marble as he walked over to Chroias and between Nefret. Nefret was on full alert. The tension couldn't have been cut with a scimitar. She fingered her dagger gently, incase *not that she really thought it would happen* Mozenrath got angry. Chroias's face seemed even paler as the look on Mozenrath's face made her very afraid for the first time in her life. "Moze..." she stammered out. "I didn't....I never meant...for this...It's partially your fault you know!!" she yelled to him .She was panicking slightly now. Her voice came out in a high scared pitch. "I mean it takes two to tango ya know. And we have been going at it like a couple a rabbits lately." She backed away and out of the chair. Trying to get as far away from the advancing sorcerer as possible. "I mean ...You can't blame this all on me..." she backed even further. Nefret had gotten up as soon as Chroias had moved. She wouldn't really hurt Mozenrath, but if she found the need to knock him out she would. Chroias was still in fear as the wall meet her back thanks to her backing away. Mozenrath reached and got a good hold behind her head. Nefret got ready to attack. Chroias gasped... For a split second everything froze. And the Mozenrath kissed her. And everything froze again. Nefret counted the seconds. 10,20,30,40. And Mozenrath pulled away. A prince like smile on his face. And suddenly Chroias got it. She let out a half aggravated half joyful growl. "You little shit." she said, As Mozenrath started laughing. "I am so going to get you for this....." She growled and flung herself full force on the sorcerer. Nefret backed up a step. "Ummm guys?" she said completely unsure of what was happening. "Excuse me but DID I MISS SOMETHING" Mozenrath looked up and untangled himself from Chroias's pale arms. "Nothing's wrong Nefret." he said. "I am simply fulfilling my duties." he looked again and realized she still had no clue what was going on. Chroias smiled at her very confused friend. "See a loooong time ago, Moze here told me what he would do if I were to ever get pregnant." "And that was what? Scare the crap out of you?" Nefret said still completely unknowing. "No!" she said. "Kiss me." Again with the confused look. "I was afraid I wouldn't ever be able to give birth. Ya know demon genes." Chroias gave Mozenrath another loving glance. Something that was completely uncharacteristic for her. "And he was kinda in a sappy mood..." "Moze was sappy..." Nefret commented and ducked a thrown pillow from Mozenrath. "Anyways... He told me if somehow I did manage it, he'd kiss me." "So why were you freaking out?" Nefret said. "Well I didn't know if he'd remember since it was right before Distane..."she trailed of and Gave her friend a meaningful look. Nefret gasped and nodded as she realized Mozenrath didn't know she knew. "Nefret..." Chroias said pulling her friend close. "You know how you suggested being a midwife..." Nefret smiled. "I wasn't trying to SUGGEST anything..." "Good!" Mozenrath started. "I don't want her to be the midwife. " "She won't be..." Chroias said to both their surprises. "She'll be midwife and god mother." The demoness looked again at her friend. "That is if she'll accept." The two looked at Nefret. Chapter 40 (by me)
Nefret's mouth opened and closed, opened, closed, in the same fruitless exercise Mozenrath had preformed a moment before. Her eyes rolled to Mozenrath than back to Chroias and finally falling to the floor in thought. Godmother, what did that involve? Well legally she would be obligated to take the child if both parents died, though that situation was unlikely. However as most things in life the legal definition fell short of reality. She would be like a second mother to this child, or maybe something like an aunt. Roias frowned, Nefret looked too solemn, she was going to say no. The demon suddenly felt her lover's hand rest on her shoulder, Mozenrath knew to. The two looked at each other and were about to exchange words when a strange sound caught their ears. They looked to the bowed plum colored head, was that what it sounded like? Was that a sniffle? Another one, slightly more suppressed. She wasn't holding back tears, she was holding back laughter! Nefret's shoulders shook and she made an odd staining sound.
"What's so funny!?" Chroias and Moze yelled simultaneously. "Do..*chuckle* Do I get... *sputter* A wand with a star on top?" She burst out laughing. "Why you little!!" With playfully angry cry Chroias caught the girl in her arms and rubbed her knuckles harshly over her skull. "You've been reading to many books! Don't you take anything seriously?" Nefret shook her head. "Well what do you say?" "Do I get a wand!?" Nefret clasped her hands together pleadingly. "NO!!!!!!" "Well if I don't get a magic wand..." She stopped just long enough to listen to Roias growl. "Alright." She finally said with tears hiding in the corners of her eyes. But they weren't from laughing, they were real. Chroias could tell by the soft shimmer in the other girl's eye. Chroias sighed happily and Mozenrath gave his best indifferent shrug. Nefret sauntered forward catching both the sorcerer and the demon by the shoulders. "Well it seems were all going to be one big happy family!" A slight gag escaped Mozenrath's throat. Nefret and Chroias flashed a dark look upon him, but halfway through her silent berating Nefret' face faulted. A sudden memory flashed in her mind. The night she and Roias had stayed up half the night playing truth or dare, the night they had joked about the likelihood of Mozenrath proposing marriage. But what troubled her most was that comment Chroias had made about her father. "Speaking of family..." She released Mozenrath's shoulder and drew Roias away slightly. "Isn't it time to spread the good news?" Chroias's throat flashed visibly as she swallowed hard. Chapter 41 (by Kalynn)
Mozenrath looked at his girlfriend's face. "Ok ready?" Chroias nodded. "Ready." "Rock, paper, scimatar." Mozenrath growled as he realized he got paper while Chroias turned out scimitar. The green haired demoness smiled. "Ok we tell your mom first." The low moan that escaped Mozenrath's throat was not present. "Do we have to? I mean she is going to get so annoying about this. And she will NOT be happy about Nef being the godmother!!" An aggravated look appeared on the plum girls face. "Hay! She kidnapped me!! All I did was knock out a few servants of hers and she threw a fit and magiced me..." "Save it Nef.." Chroias said. "I wish we could avoid this whole thing... but they'll find out soon enough." She patted her slightly bigger belly. It had grown incredibly in the past week. Not to mention other things were beginning to grow to a considerable size. Chroias had pouted when she realized her tube tops and tight jeans would no longer make it in her state. But Nefret had managed to sate her with the idea of a shopping spree. Mozenrath of course being stuck with the check. Nefret looked at her friend's now casual attire. She really did look good in it. The dark green top that covered her well and the black skirt that went down past her ankles. She really was quite an attractive girl, demon, whatever. Mozenrath sigh. "I really DO NOT want to do this." he moaned again. Chroias sighed and flicked a green magic stream out of her fingertips. "Lets just get this over with. Mine are next ya know." A shudder creped up Mozenrath's spine. Nefret sighed as the portal to Morbia opened and the trio stepped inside. Chapter 42 (by me)
Chroias glanced over at Nefret and the long ragged breath she drew in. The Egyptian girl remembered when she had been here last, dragged in screaming and kicking and throwing every insult she knew at Mozenrath's mother. Mirage had grumbled something about a headache and with a snap of her fingers Nefret's sight had grown fuzzy until nothing but darkness was left. Mozenrath was trying not to show any emotion one way or the other, but she could tell he wasn't happy. "Well, is it mother's day already?" Mirage suddenly appeared before them, much to everyone's surprise, or maybe it was more like to everyone's despair. They had come to see her after all, but somehow trepidation now crept up their collective spines. "It's so nice to see my son again. And you've brought your little demonic girlfriend, and the..." Her face dropped and a hand shot to her left temple. "the fog horn." Nefret took a step forward, but thought better of it. Mirage reverted to her old self, giving a smile with the coolness only a cat could achieve. "Well I hope today's gift is a bit more thoughtful than the last I received from you." Her eyes turned dark but that catty smile remained plastered on her face. "Ahh, Mirage! Funny you should mention 'gifts'." Chroias saunter forward flinging her hair to one side casually. The demon ran a loving hand over her gently rounded belly. Mirage eyed her suspiciously. Mozenrath approached them suddenly nervous that his pregnant girlfriend was standing so close his mother. "We've come to tell you that..." his words died on his lips, the most literal case of 'cat got your tongue' yet. The sorcerer cleared his throat. "That I've fathered a child!" the words ran out off his lips in one short breath. That seemed the only way he could get them out. Mirage looked dumfounded for an instant. "And who's the mother?" Her eyes darted mockingly between the girls. Chroias growled slightly and Nefret stamped forward with a sourer look as her fists balled. "Careful girl, I can put you under again." Mirage warned. This halted Nefret's advance with a small 'eep'. "No, it is quite clear who's the pregnant one here!" her yellow eyes narrowed on Chroias's abdomen. "Good guess oh perceptive one." Roias quipped with a roll of her eyes. Than an idea flashed on her face. Moze and Nef could almost see the preverbal light bulb over her head, or maybe it was more like a roman candle. "Hey, maybe next Mother's day we could celebrate together! That would be sooo nice." None could tell if she was joking or not. Not even Nefret, the master of all sarcasm herself. "Hey Neffie can join in to, we can call it 'Mother and Godmother's day!' We'd be trend setters!" "Godmother?" Mirage asked dumbly. "The fog horn is the Godmother!!!!" Her shoulders rose and her arms stained as her fists flexed at her sides. Nefret stated to laugh nervously. "What will see teach the child? How to quip and be an all around royal pain in the ass!!???" "You did quite a good job of teaching Mozenrath that fine art." Nefret grumbled under her breath, but not quite low enough. Mozenrath shot her an inhuman look as Roias rolled her eyes. No one really noticed the extent of the evil incarnates anger until the air practically crackled with infuriated energy. The hair stood up on the group's neck and the forced their heads around to stare at Mirage. "Ok, mission completed!" Moze opened a portal and started to nudge Chroias through it, she only half protested. Nefret on the other hand seemed to be in a state of frozen shock, her mouth gaping open slightly. As he passed Mozenrath's hand shot out to grab her sleeve, and she half stumbled and half dragged along. As the portal quickly closed behind them Mirage's last words slipped though. "WAIT, I'm going to be a GRANDMOTHER?!" "One down." Chroias started. "One to go!" Nef finished. Chapter 43 (by Kalynn)
Nefret looked at the dots of sweat on Chroias's head. The demoness was twice as nervous as when they had talked to Mirage. The plum haired girl shook her head. Certainly Chroias's parents couldn't be any worse than Mirage. Chroias motioned to her lover and friend. "Back up...this spell always has a tendency to snap the room a bit." Mozenrath grabbed Nefret's arm. "I think we aughta move." Chroias began to mutter cryptic phrases. One in particular caught Nefret's attention. "I am Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, and have the power to be born a second time." Chroias muttered in a low voice. Nefret gasped as she recognized it from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. "I am the divine bidden soul who created the gods and gives sepulchral meals to the denizens of the deep." A bright goldish green glow began to forum into a pool of liquid like substance. "The place of the dead, and heaven..." The glow began to embrace and surround Chroias as the room...flexed. "Hail lord of the shrine that stands in the center of the earth. He is I, and I am he!" A deadly silence crawled over the room and suddenly the portal caved in on it's self and spiraled just as quickly upwards and billowed out into a sphere like shape. Two figures became apparent in the greenish-gold haze. Nefret grabbed Chroias shoulder. "Lemmi guess..." Chroias nodded. "Meet my mom and dad." Nefret took a quick look at the duo. Persephonie was pretty enough. Not beautiful...but pretty in a very girl next-door kind of way. Mahogany brown hair that hung in wild curls about her well shaped face. Green streaks accompanied the brownness giving it a natural look. Her bright blue eyes seemed to speech...'I belong outdoors.' Her long, aristocratic nose paved the way down to lush and rose lips. Her slim body told as to how Chroias managed her slim figure. But obviously, she got her height from her father. Hades was a handsome man. If you ignored the dark glare his face held. The man towered at least seven foot, probably a bit over. His hair was a shock green and was pulled back into a sharp business like ponytail. He was porcelain pale and his eyes glowed the same bright red as Chroias's. Two long bull like horns adorned his brow and a crown of black opals toped off the whole king of the dead ensemble. He walked out of the portal on gargoylish feet and his tail swished back and forth like Chroias's did when she was displeased about something. Chroias sighed and gave a long respectful bow. To Nefret's surprise Mozenrath gave the same. Only not quite so low. And not quite taking his eyes off Hades. Persephione didn't seem to pay attention to her daughter stiff manner. The goddess rushed forward taking her daughter in a hug. "Oh my little baby..." she said. Nefret giggled as she realized how upset Chroias looked. The demoness's face had taken on a reddish tinge. Hades however didn't seem inclined to hug her. He did however look at the bulging stomach as though it was a growth. "So I see it happened." His voice came out in a low deadly growl. Something akin to what one might expect from a rabid wolf. Chroias put a determined almost stubborn look on her face. "Yeah it happened...just like you said it would." "And now you've come to beg your way back home..." "Wrong." A darker look crossed Hades face. A reddish smoke began to leak out from his silted eyes. "What..." he whimpered with a snake like hiss. "You were right in only one respect daddy." Chroias said and looked at Mozenrath. As though taking a cue, Mozenrath walked up behind Chroias and placed a protective hand around his lover's waist. "He hasn't left me." "And I have no intention of doing as such either." Mozenrath growled looking directly into the Lord of the Dead's eyes. "I though you swore you'd never marry a man who could legally keep a harem." Hades said eyeing Nefret. Before Nef could get out an indignant remark, Chroias interrupted and sent her friend a quick warning glare. "She is most certainly not a harem girl." "Damn right." Nefret blurted out and this time received a warning glare from Mozenrath. 'Then who is she?" Hades didn't pose this question to his daughter but instead to Mozenrath. To his credit Mozenrath didn't even flinch. "SHE is my baby's godmother! And I'll thank you to treat her with her due respect." Hades shot the sorcerer a deadly glare. He seemed to be very adamant about glares. "You will do well to treat me with my due respect. It is only by my good graces that I am not killing you." "Like I'd let you." Chroias popped up. For the first time since the hug Persephionie spoke. "Darling you know your daddums doesn't mean it. He's just a bit over protective." "Overprotective my ass." Chroias blurted out with anger. "He just wanted me to get stuck with one of those damn half god that go around with every nymph or drayid that'll take 'em." "And you think this sorcerer will be ANY more loyal to you!!!" Hades shouted at her. "Damn straight I will!!" Mozenrath shouted at the top of his lungs. Nefret froze. For about the billionth time in her history with this sorcerer she again doubted his sanity. The look on Mozenrath's face was almost enough to rival that of Hades. "I will not be the one to betray your daughter Hades. I care about her to much for that!" A small smile escaped Hades lips. "CARE about her." He gave a short sharp laugh. "All you do is CARE about her." He snorted again. "CAREING about her is all good and dandy. But do you LOVE her?" Everyone in the room looked at the sorcerer. Waiting for his reply. Chapter 44 (by me)
Mozenrath had a dark look on his face, anyone that knew him well enough recognized it as his deep thinking countenance. Nefret's slapped her palm against her forehead, and Roias looked worried, perhaps more so than when she first started to call her parents. It wasn't a very good sign that he had to think about it. Hades face turned a sadistic sort of satisfaction, and his wife wrung her hands and looked sympathetically at her daughter. Mozenrath's voice was low and harsh at first, but grew more and more confident with each passing word. "I have been with your daughter for seven years. She has stayed with me through thick and thin, and I with her. She has been my guardian, friend, confidant, and lover. And now she takes on the role of mother of my child. Do you not think I love her? Do you not think I have the option of not loving her?" His voice was deadly, a challenge to anyone to contradict him. Hades mouth squeezed together and out, as if he desperately wanted to say something, but didn't know quite what. All the gathered women let out a collective sigh of relief. But stopped mid-way as a laugh rang out. A twisted sort of laugh. A laugh that Nefret had often heard Mozenrath utter, but she didn't recognize it as his voice. No, this laugh could only belong to one person. Hades. Most laughs warm the hearts of the people who hear it, but this one was so angry it froze Nefret's blood cold. "Well." father looked at daughter. "It seems what's done is done. Nothing to do now but sit back and see what happens." This brought a look of anguished acknowledgement to the demons face. Nefret finally made a move, nearing her friend and patting her back reassuringly. "You will stay here for the birth? We have capable doctors." Contrary to what might be expected, Hades wasn't sentimental about the birthing preparation of his grandchild. Instead his words were that of cold necessarity. "No, no doctors." Chroias turned a respectful, yet determined look to her father. "Nefret is my midwife. Don't worry, she's experienced. She can handle it." Chroias answered her mother's concerned gaze. "Can she handle this one?" Hades eyed the younger girl haughtily, she looked no account. Nefret's jaw set in anger, but she was smart enough to keep quite to the lord of the dead. Chroias nodded. Again Hades looked about to say something, but he digressed. "Well, it there any other 'good news'?" He waited for an answer, when none came he continued. "Than, there is nothing more that can be done, or said." Hades was angry, he was a God! And yet there was noting he could really do in this situation, Roias was pregnant, there was no stopping that. And try as he might, he couldn't rightfully control her anymore. Sure he could kill Mozenrath, but what would that really do? Make him feel better yes, but not much else. It would leave the child a true bastered. So he would wait, and he would keep a watchful all on all the resident of the Citadel. That much was for sure! Chapter 45 (by Kalynn)
Chroias turned and hugged Nefret. Small tears of either fear or joy were turning her face an uncharacteristic red. Mozenrath pushed Nefret gently out of the way. "Nice family you have." he muttered. "No worse than yours." Nefret retorted. She turned her plum head to Chroias. "I'm surprised Hades didn't take both your heads off." "Oh you think this is the bad part." Chroias gave a small laugh. "Wait a few days. I'm sure by now all my siblings have heard. Don't be surprised if one or fifty of my uncles, cousins, GODfathers and a thousand other half immortals drop by." A half panicked look came over Mozenrath's pale face. "How many?" "Oh don't worry. None of them will be half as bad as daddy." Chroias kissed his chin. "Nefret." she looked to her friend. "What?" the plum haired girl smiled as she caught the look on her friends face. "Ummm I think I left the buns in the oven." she said knowing it was a horrible excuse. Taking her chances, Chroias sat Mozenrath down. "Moze ..." she hesitated. "Mozenrath...did you...." A small churning hit her stomach, and it wasn't the baby. "Did you really mean what you said?" She looked carefully into his dark eyes. "About loving you." Mozenrath let the words drop with a small voice that didn't appear to be his. It reminded Chroias of a time between them a long time ago. Back when a scared teen of barely seventeen had taken her heart and her soul. It reminded her of the same scared teen who cried when he told her the truth about depth of Destain's sickness. And how much that sickness had touched him. "Chroias you've been with me a long time." He said as he wiped a tear from the woman's cheek. "I...I never..." he grumbled something that sounded like a curse and then continued. "I didn't think....that...a..a. guy like me was.......capable...of being...." he paused momentarily. The word was on the tip of his tongue. And it took all of his strength to push it out. "Loved, by anyone." He bowed his head momentarily. Not in humility but in quiet reflection. "I remember when you first showed me the many forms love came in." He grinned with a trace of his former casual confidence. "The many many forms it came in." Chroias slapped him lightly. "And I never forgot that." He removed the sharks tooth from his shirt. "And thanks to a certain minion...." he glared in the direction Nefret had just exited. "I don't have to." Chroias smiled. It wasn't quite the plain 'I love you' she had wanted. But with Mozenrath she had long ago learned to take what he was able to give. A sudden look came over Chroias's face. "What?" Mozenrath asked. "The baby." Chroias started. Mozenrath paled. "Already!!!" "No no!!" Chroias's smile lit up the halls. "It kicked." "Did I just hear it kicked!!??" Came a familiar voice. Mozenrath glared as Nefret came running in. Chroias uncovered her belly and placed her friends hand up to the growing ponch. "Oh my GODS!" Nefret said in an almost squeal. "It's kicking." She turned to look at her lord. "Moze you gotta feel." The sorcerer frowned. "I don't think I should..." Nefret didn't give him time to decide. Without a trace of fear she snatched his hand and placed it directly onto Chroias's stomach. He barely felt it at first. Just the smallest tiniest thump of a movement on his hand. Then it strengthened. A small...ever so slight smile crossed Mozenrath's lips. So small even Nefret could barely tell it. But Chroias saw. And she smiled. Chapter 46 (by me)
Things really picked up after that. Well not really, to say they picked up would imply that the time before had been slow! And ever since Roais had arrived they had come close to destroying Agrabah, Nefret had been exiled, Xerxes had been exiled, Xerxes had used Aladdin to try and take revenge, and Nefret had slipped into a coma! No, thing had definitely not been slow! It was more like the velocity of things matched the previous pace of its predecessors. As the demons predicted, by the end of that day some rather unholy relatives did come out of the woodwork. But Nefret left them in the hands of Mozenrath and Chroias, she wanted to avoid that whole harem confusion mess as much as possible. But she didn't find time to relax either, there was too much to do. Nefret sat with her legs crossed on the arm of Mozenrath's throne, her usual post, even if Moze found it annoying. But he wouldn't care one way or another, for now he was off with Roias, fraternizing with one of her relatives no doubt ".. After that prepare dinner. I want something nice! And make extra 'cause I don't know who's lurking around here." Nefret mumbled off the chores on her list to the head domestic mumluk. "Oh and one more thing. I want you to be ready with hot water, rages, a knife, and plenty of sheets at my command. I'm not sure when the birth will take place, but with Roias looking the way she does..." Nefret tapped the pen to her lips thoughtfully. "How long do you think it will be?" The Mumluk groaned in dumb submission. The Egyptian girls brow knotted up. Why oh why was did she bother? With a deep sigh she excused the servant, she herself had work to do. Mozenrath entered the throne room with Chroias clinging lovingly to his arm. He plunked down on his throne with an exhausted sigh. The last visitor had just left, but who knows when the next wave would hit! "I think you handled yourself quite well." Roias commented, obviously continuing a conversation they had begun a while ago. Mozenrath shot her a withering glance. Again the demons predictions had been correct, none of the other had been as bad as Hades, but that wasn't to say that some hadn't come close. Chroias sighed and smoothed her hand over large belly. She suddenly felt something was missing. "Were is Nefret?" the demons eyes rolled around the room, as if she might have just passed he by without noticing. "Hiding from your family I expect. I wish I could do the same." He mused. Roias frowned. "Humm. Maybe I should go look for her." That said the demon turned and left. The study, lab and library were empty, as well as her bedroom. Roias tapped her foot on the marble floor impatiencely. "Of for the love of all Hahtor and Horus! You're about as much help as a sistrum without strings! Let go I'll do it myself! Gah!!!!" Roias rounded the corner just in time to see the mumluk release the end of what they were carrying. It promptly swayed under Nefret's grasp and she struggled to stay on her feet. "Oh shut up." She shot at the undead servant as it watched mutely while she struggled. The pregnant demon couldn't help but laugh. "I'd help you deary, but a woman in my condition should take it easy." "This is payback for me not helping with your relatives isn't it?" Nefret finally got a good grasp on the object. "Bingo!" The demon followed her friend into her bedroom. Nefret set down he burden near Chroias's bed. "Where did you find that anyway?" she gave her new piece of décor a thoughtful look. "You'd be surprised what's scatted about the Citadel." She smacked the side of the crib proudly and choked back the cloud of dust that her actions raised. "Destain wasn't the first person to live here ya know." Her voice turned a bit dark at the name, but she gave the baby crib a slight smile. "Who knows, this might have been a happy family home once." Both looked around with skeptical looks. "Well maybe not. But we might be needing this soon. Hum?" She eyed her best friend carefully. Roias gave no definitive answer, only grinned and ran a clawed finger over the crib. Chapter 47 (by Kalynn Osburn) Chroias ran her hand over the crib and sighed. Suddenly a kick hit her belly. "Off. This little guys ready to go." she said and smiled at Nefret. The plum haired girl smiled back and continued to arrange the sheets. Another kick caught Chroias attention. Then another. Then another. A warm wet feeling ran down her leg. 'Um Nef..." she said hurriedly. The plum haired girl turned her head and gasped. "Aww Hathor when you said soon you meant soon!!" She placed the green haired demoness on the couch. "Stay down. I'm going for Mozenrath." She removed a piece of wood from her side. Ok I want you to hold this. If the pain really kicks in bite down." Chroias nodded and gripped the piece of wood as a contraction started. Nef gave her a slight kiss on the head and rushed off to find Mozenrath. She turned the halls and down the corridors in record time. 'Mozenrath!" she yelled as she caught him just outside of the library The sorcerer turned. "Nefret I really don't have time for.." He caught the look in her eyes and bolted. Making it all the way from the library to Chroias's room in less time then Nefret. "Chroias." he called and attempted to avoid the water around her bed. He face was contorted a bit from the contraction pain, but other then that she appeared fine. "I feel like I'm having a really bad cramp." she whispered. Mozenrath felt the belly. "One things for sure, this has got to be the fastest weight loss exercise ever." Chroias started to laugh and didn't make it." She felt a searing pain go through her. Nefret entered the room. "Moze ya gotta go. Men aren't allowed in the birthing room." Mozenrath gave her a vile look but stopped as Chroias nodded her head. He stood and walked out. Nefret grasped Chroias's hand. "Ok breath just breath." Mozenrath paced outside the doors. He was not comfortable with not being allowed in there. 'Chroias is a big girl she can handle herself. She was always independent you know that' He paced some more. Yes but I want her to need me somewhat. I do want her to be near me' He finally sat down. "And do you think the child will be any different? He will inherit the same capabilities as both you and the mother have plus anything you teach him' Mozenrath had to smile. He and Chroias had have their share of arguments over weather the child would be a boy or girl. Truly he didn't really care what it would be. But he was kind of hoping desperately for a son. 'Nefret isn't going to be partial.' He was glad of that much. Nefret 'that damn minion' would be sure to include anything he or Chroias would forget in the children's education. 'He will have everything. Everything I was never given. I'll teach the child every spell every incantation, everything! Any sorcerer would be proud to know. He'll have it all. Or she will.' He reminded himself as he realized the child could very well be a she as much as a he. "I'll be sure that they never suffer." he said allowed and bitterly as Distane crossed his mind. "Nothing like that will ever happen to him." he promised as solemnly as though making a vow before Allah himself. "I swear to god I'll protect them." The door opened and a tiered but pleased looking Nefret came out. Mozenrath appeared taken aback with the blood now on her top and bottom. But she was smiling and if anything was wrong she wouldn't be smiling. "Mozenrath," she said . "Congratulations. You are now the proud father of twins." Mozenrath sighed and then caught what she said. "Father of what??" Nefret smiled. "Twins one boy and one...."Mozenrath collapsed. "Girl." Chapter 48 (by me) Nefret sighed and bent over her lord. He wasn't unconsciously, just lying there contemplating this new revelation. In the room a baby wailed and a tired hush sounded. "Well have it your way then." She stood back up and headed to the door, but never made it. Mozenrath was on his feet and pushing his way past her before Nef knew what overtook her. Mozenrath swallowed hard and peered at the occupants on the bed. Roais looked deadly tried, but happy. Clean white sheets lay over her and cradled in each arm was a wiggling, waling mass. It was apparent which was the girl, a pretty baby who already had a mop of black hair. But not completely black two small streaks of light green framed her plump face. Her eyes shown a tuslusan red, ruddy, but with enough brown in it to pass as normal. The boy was truly the child of his father, like his sister his he already possessed a mop of black hair and his eyes were a brilliant green. A color that rivaled his mother's tresses. But unlike his other half small horns adorned his head. While both babies were a pleasant pink sort of color, it was apparent that both were as ashen their lineage. "Truly beautiful children. Certainly the most interesting I've delivered! You both did well." Mozenrath suddenly looked up to see his servant standing near the bed. She looked rather bad, Nefret caught onto his thought. "Well, I'll be going now!" She stopped at the door just long enough to smile at the family scene. Somehow this seemed so normal, despite the participants. Mozenrath made sure Nefret was truly gone before he set down on the bed. Slowly he studied the children, Chroias's children, HIS children. Who would have ever thought.? Then his eyes rolled to the demoness. "We did well." He repeated Nefret's words. She nodded and lay back in the bed. "We did!" she confirmed. All fears of deformities and problem births had been swept far far away. Everything had gone smoothly and the children were beautiful. But than how could they be anything but? With their parents and all. It was latter that night and all the residents of the Citadel were huddled comfortably in Chroias bed chambers. Both girls on the bed and Mozenrath sitting in a chair holding his son. The next great sorcerer of the seven deserts, that was for sure. Nef and Roias were in the process of poking at the little girl. And Nef was cooing something like, Contrary to what some may think; you couldn't have been given to better parents. And I'll always be here for you." Chroias looked over with a sly grin. "And she'll teach you how to quip and be a royal pain in the ass!" "Oh no she wont!" Moze protested. Both new parents smiled at the sour look on the girls face. Nef bent down putting her face just inches away from baby's ear "Well than, I'm sure Roias an I can teach you how to bug the hell out of Mozy." Her voice was so soft that it escaped the ears of the sorcerer. Good thing to! Chapter 49 (by Kalynn) Chroias sighed. "You know it'll be the same now. " she said to Nefret. The plum haired girl looked over. "They'll age quickly. Probably within the next five years they'll be fully grown. She sighed. "I grew up very fast to. But since there half human, perhaps it'll take a bit longer." She sounded very hopeful of this as she held the baby girl in her arms. She ruffled the green streaks in her daughter's hair. "What shall we name you humm.?" she voiced aloud. "Damn it." Nefret shouted. "Names, we completely forgot names." She looked at the door. "Maybe we aughta get Mozenrath in here. He should have his say in named to." Chroias nodded. "Mozenrath!" she called to the direction of the throne. "Moze come here." The sorcerer walked in, a wailing child in his arms. "How do you get this child to stop crying?" he said in a helpless voice. The baby boy wriggled in his father's arms and squealed in anger as if he somehow wasn't getting his way. Chroias smiled. "Give him here." Mozenrath looked almost relieved as she took the child, and almost let his jaw hit the floor as she undid her top and placed the baby to be feed. "Umm Chroias..." he said in a warning voice and looking at Nefret. "Hay come on. I've seen a nursing before." she placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "It's no biggie. And you'd had better get used to it." "Oh I almost forgot." Chroias said as Mozenrath tried to find a way to counteract Nefret's statement. "We need to name them." Again a shocked look came over his face. "I'm not a namer." he said. "All right then. How about we name this one Lazurus." She rubbed her sons horns. "And this little bundle of love Tristram." She looked at Mozenrath for approval. "Lazurus?" he said unsurely. "Tristram?" he looked at his daughter. "Unless you have a better suggestion." Chroias hinted. Mozenrath muttered something indiscernible. "What?" Nefret and Chroias said in a duet. "I wanted to name them Zakarum," he pointed to the son at Chroias's breast. "And Rasha." "How about a compromise?" Nefret suggested. "The little girl is Tristram and the little boy is Zakarum." Chroias removed the baby from her and looked at him. "How does that sound? Do you want to be Zak." The baby gave a burbled coo in response and both the girls gave an awwww that would have given a sprite a concussion. "And you..." Nefret said scooping up the baby girl. "You'll be little Tris." The little girl giggled and snatched a curl of her fathers hair. Mozenrath jerked back. Still a bit unsure of holding his daughter. "Go on Moze." Nefret said. "Go on. She won't bite." The baby Tris smiled and showed her fangs. "Ok maybe she will. But she's only a baby." Unsurely he took the child. Tris fingered the stray curl in her father's turban and reached for the glowing red jewel in the top. Giving a half grin to the child, he removed his hat and placed it in the child's lap. Immediately the baby began to chew on the rim. "Hay!" Mozenrath yelped. "She's only curious." Chroias said as she began to yawn. "Give her a moment." Suddenly a shocked look hit her face. "Cloths!!" Nefret made the same realization. "That's right. We need to get the kids cloths!!" Mozenrath moaned. That would mean another trip to Agrabah. Something he was defiantly not in the mood for. "We'll have to go in guise this time." Chroias pointed out. "I am not at best strength for a fight with hero and wife. And I won't have my baby's in the line of fire." "Can you do that?" Nefret questioned. "I mean um..." she glanced at the horns. "Sure. I didn't last time because there was no need. I can cast a reasonably good illusion that should fool anyone except the Genie." Chroias nodded. "And I think I'm strong enough to cast one over the children to." Mozenrath growled. "I think I'll just stay here." "Awww but Mozie!!!" Chroias complained. "No Chroias." Mozenrath said. Chroias sighed, to weary to fight. "An angry woman needs mad money to spend." she hinted at. Mozenrath sighed. He tossed a nicely sized coin purse her direction and sauntered off. "Ready Nef?" The plum haired girl nodded and stepped up to the all ready mad portal. Chapter 50 (by me) Chroias ran a hand over her hair, now longer the shocking shade of green, but a rather pleasing brown color. Her eyes followed the hue of her tresses, and while she was still pale, it wasn't such an ashen white. No one would have known this mahogany beauties secret. The baby girl in her arms had lost the green streaks in her hair, but her eyes remained the same, they were brown enough to pass unnoticed. Nefret's face contorted in pain as baby Zak gave a sharp pull of her ears. The girl gave him a half amused tap on the nose. That didn't abide his desire to pick on her and he gave her own nose a small pull. This one would defiantly be a hand full! She shifted the baby in her arms, placing his back to her. Now unable to pick on his godmother Mozenrath's son watched in amazement the sights and sounds of the marketplace. And boy was it busy! But through all the fuss the two baby lugging women found what they needed. Some very cute girls clothes, in varying sizes, since the child would grow quickly. And some equally cute boys clothes. They had even picked out an adorably mini turban for little Zak. Not that he would wear it, it was more fun to wave it around. Smacking people in the process. "Roias, I'll be right back!" Nef breathed quickly dumping Zak in the demons free arm. Chroias sighed rather happily and shifted Tris and Zak in her arms. Nef's eyes had been caught by some sticky buns, and what was mad money it you couldn't use it from something mad? Baby Tris suddenly took notice to the present her brother held. With a fussy pout she grabbed for the hat, Zak held on and the two struggled for power. A sudden wail raised itself from the girl's throat and the hat was thrown, or maybe flew across the street. With a chuckle the man that had been watching swept up the turban before it could be trampled upon. "I think the belongs to you." Aladdin returned the hat to the baby with a slight amused bow. Chroias's breath caught in her throat, but the hero and his wife where alone, and without the benefit of a certain blue genie. Her disguise would hold. She smiled beguilingly. "Twins? There're so cute! The must be very special." Jasmine praised the mother. "Yes, they are VERY special!" she rocked them gently in her arms. Aladdin nodded with a smile and they began to walk away, but just then. "Oh, these pastries are wonderful! I wish these kids could eat solid food!" Nef ran up with a handful of sweet buns. "But with those fangs, who knows what she'll eat, or who!" the plum-haired girl joked shoving a bun in her mouth. Chroias's face twitched slightly, an action quickly emulated by Nef as she caught sight of the problem. She quickly turned her face. Just in time to, as the royal couple turned to her. "Um yes, that DOG and her FANGS! Let go home and feed the DOG" Chroias suddenly turned tail, taking Nef with her. "It's so good to joke like that when we're going incognito!" She whispered harshly. Nef was stopped mid shrug by an arm on her shoulder. It wasn't who she thought it was, it couldn't be, she assured herself before looking over her shoulder. But it was! Aladdin stood there slightly confused. "Nefret?" He asked, but it was hard to misidentify that head of hair! "How many friends do you have that I'm unaware of?" he motioned to the brown haired woman holding the babies. Good, he hadn't caught on. "Oh. A few." She smiled, but faulted a bit as she saw Al studying the twins and their mother. A slight realization was donning on Jasmine's face. "Well, we best be off now. Babies shouldn't be out in this hot sun for to long." Nef received baby Tris from Chroias and they started off. Leaving Aladdin and Jas behind, still working things out. "Hey!" He yelled and rushed in front of them. Roias sighed, it was no use hiding it anymore. Her disguise faded out, and Al eyed the children. The boy was crowned by a set of horns and the girl flashed her fangs in a joyous smile as she clung to Nefret's arms. Then, almost as quickly as these features had come they disappeared. "Who's.." he managed to mutter. The girls shot him a who-do-you-think look. "Oh. What! No, not him!" "So, these children are half demon, half Mozenrath?" Jasmine paled as the two girls nodded in the affirmative. "By Allah what were you thinking?" "I think we all know what they were thinking, and thinking with!" Nef mumbled. Jasmine blushed at the bluntness of the comment. "Oh, don't you think my godchildren are cute?" "Want to hold him." Chroias asked slyly letting Zakurum's horn show themselves again. Both hero's jumped back. "So be it. Well we did come here just for a baby cloths shopping spree, and I think we succeeded?" She looked to Nef who raised the basked triumphantly. "But it was so nice to see you again! Baby shower gifts are always welcome! I'm registered at several booths!" She waved as a portal opened up right there in the street. Aladdin and Jasmine were left by themselves looking, well rather pale. "Did you have a nice time spending my money?" Moze half smiled as Chroias waked into the room followed by Nef carrying a full basket, full of cloths and one little girl. "It was an uneventful trip I presume?" Both girls smiled a bit. "Love, when you have babies along, no trip is uneventful!" The demon laughed. Chapter 51 (by Kalynn) Chroias sighed as she placed the twins in their individual cribs. They immediately clutched different arms of the teddy bear Nefret had bought them. Snuggling close to it, they managed to fall asleep after an eventful day. Nefret walked in a moment later, holding a sticky bun in one hand and another in her mouth. "Oh dear god Roias." she held one out and the demoness gladly took it. "I'm sorry I blew our cover like that. I should have been more careful around..." "Don't worry about it. Maybe now that they know Moze has offspring, they'll lay offa him." She gave the baby girl a loving pat. "Moze was not happy when he noticed how much pink stuff you got her." "Nefret smiled. "I'll tell you what would have really made him mad. If I had picked up that green and purple dinosaur doll I saw." she scratched her head momentarily. "I think the owner called it a Barney or something." Chroias shrugged. "Sounds like a demon we have down in Tarturus. It tortures people with it's singing." She looked back down at the twins. "Oh god Nef they're going to be so happy." her voice was so full of hope and love Nefret didn't need to say anything. "I'm going to make sure of it." Mozenrath moved slightly when Chroias nudged him aside to get into bed. "Good evening." he murmured and immediately wrapped a protective arm around her stomach. He frowned slightly after having grown used to having a child filled belly against his hand, he found himself somewhat disappointed at not being able to feel the child kick. Chroias turned and pressed herself against him. "Hi lover." she whispered against his skin and slowly nodded off to sleep. Unfortunately, as any new mother can say, sleep with newborn twins in the house will not last long. Mozenrath was awakened by the sound of two hungry wails flying up into the bedroom and Chroias moving into a bathrobe and dodging out the door. He got up slowly and followed her. He entered the door and turned around as he realized the children were nursing again. Chroias sighed as she realized this was something Mozenrath had never seen before and would have to get used to. She stood and popped up beside him just as Tris let out another piercing wail and sent her teddy bear flying across the room. "Did she just do that?" Mozenrath questioned with some amazement. "Probably. She made a turban fly in the market place yesterday." Chroias handed him the girl and boy. "I'll go find Nefret to give us a hand." The moment she disappeared out the door the baby's began to cry. And when they cried they really cried. Mozenrath gave a desperate glance at the door. No sign of either girl. He was going to have to handle this himself for the time being. A memory of something came to his mind. He had never done it before. But to get the kids to stop he was willing to try. Mozenrath took a deep breath and sang. "Good night sweet heart well it time to go." he let the children have a moment to realize what that strange sound was before continuing. "Good night sweet heart well it's time to go. I hate to leave ya but I really must say. Goodnight sweet heart good night." The babies began to settle in and suck on their thumbs. "Well it's three o'clock in the morning. Baby I just can't treat you right. Well I hate to leave ya babay. I don't mean mabey. Because I love you so. Do doeo do." as he went in for the deep part two giggling sounds reached his ears. Mozenrath glared at the door and spied the two girls at the entrance. Chroias holding dippers and Nefret holding her sides. Nefret couldn't top laughing long enough to get out anything. But Chroias walked over to her lover's arms and took one baby. "Nice job love." she gave him a smile that promised a fully sleepless night. Chapter 52 (my me) The night had been a long one. Up and down all night long. Nefret had gotten the most sleep and was therefore "volunteered" to keep on eye on them through the early morning while mom and pop got some much-needed sleep. The bedroom was mostly quiet, the only sounds where the occasional gurgle or laugh of Zakurum as he tumbled on the floor with Anubis. Now it has to be said that Anubis wasn't the smallest, or softest dog in all of the seven deserts. And the Egyptian woman had her qualms about introducing the children to the hound. But surprisingly Anubis was quite meek about the situation, lying submissively on his side as Zak pulled his ears and tail and tugged at his collar. He must have had practice in patience when a certain purple haired child (who shall not be named) had tried to ride him through the halls of a temple at the age of 6. Nefret contemplated the child in her lap. the child contemplated her back. Her reddish eyes shone a deep serious thought matching the look in the woman. Then her lids dropped and she grinned, the spell was broken. "Uh, my aren't we the happy with ourselves?" Nefret laid the baby down and changed her top, which just a moment ago had been spit up upon. "Well as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. You, my child, are growing all to fast. It was a few days ago you came out looking like tiny wet birds and now." she watched the twins crawl over Abubis who gave her a pleading look. They where all plump and fat and already had a head full of dark hair. They could have been on this earth for months. "Well I guess you can't do much about it. Hey, bet you don't know what Friday is?" She picked up the horned twin and he laughed as she gave him a tiny toss. "Yes July 27, but also your fathers birthday! What horrible... I mean nice, friendly thing can I do for him? Well, no need to get him a gift. He already got two bundles of.." Zak reached out and pulled her hair. "Joy." "Troubles dear?" Chroias asked from the door. "You're supposed to be asleep!" Nef scolded, but there was a hint of relief in her voice. "Well as along as your up!" She dumped Zakurum into his mother's arms. "Someone is hungry!" Chroias plopped down on the bed and began to feed her baby while Nefret turned her full attention to Tris. "To an answer you previous question, yes I have had 'troubles'. Tris has been practicing her little talent on a stuff in my room, Zak has taken to pulling my hair, I was spit up on, and poor Anubis has been reduced to twin number 2 babysitter." She sighed. Roais gave her a funny look. "But I wouldn't trade them for all the tea in China!" Nefret smiled. "I agree! They're a hand full, that's to be expected. But there're wonderful." She tried to sum up her feeling in one word, and 'wonderful' was about the best word. "I agree about something else to. We do have to find something horib.. Nice for a certain someone's birthday!"
Nefret was so tired that no real thought had gone into the latest revelation. It had not yet donned on her how Mozenrath would feel, or what things would be like from here on out. No, those thoughts she could wait a little while, right now all's she could think of was how good the soft bed felt. With a sigh her plum colored head nestled deeper into the pillow. But after that initial euphoria of comfort, she also found herself troubled. "This is a happy event Roias." She tried her best to make the sentence into a statement, but a questioningly tone clung to the edges of her voice. The demon, now ready for bed, appeared from behind the screen. Her look told it all. Nefret fell back into the pillow and stared at the ceiling, becoming aware of the shift in the mattress as Chroias sat down beside her. "It will be." Nef breathed, determination dominated her voice rather than certainty. "I love babies." Her voice turned cheerful. "When I was at the temple mothers would come in to pray to Hathor for their children, or to have children. The birth houses were regular circuses! Mothers and babies in and out all the time. Sometimes I began to believe the citizens of Dendera where all to busy, if you know what I mean." She laughed slightly and rolled unto her side to look at the demon. "You have delivered babies, haven't you?" Roias asked causally running her hand over her belly. "Course I have. What kind of priestess of Hathor would I be if I couldn't do that? I'm a regular Jackie of all trades! Make shift scribe, entertainer, midwife." "Minion." Chroias added. A pillow promptly found it's way to the side of her head. Things got quite for a moment and Roias had figured Nef had fallen asleep. But her soft voice made itself known again "My mother died while giving birth to me. And I've seen at least 6 woman die on the birthing bed at the temple." Her voice was somber and Chroias knew what she was thinking about. "No need to worry. I'm not like most mothers." She pointed out. "Now do you see why I need you around?" Nefret raised her eyes in response, her lips pulling to one side. "You have to tell him." Chroias winced visibly at Nef's words. "He has to know. It's not like you hide it long, it will be more than obvious in a few months anyways." "Soon. I just have to catch him at the right time!" She settled down into the bed, feeling a bit better. After all, she had at least one person on her side. And maybe between the two of them, and the separate influences they held over Mozenrath, things would come out all right. "Now you're going to help me name it." She breathed lightly, focusing on the lighter aspects of motherhood. "Well that depends on what it is." Nef called to attention in a sleepy voice. "Lets see, if it's a boy.." "No, no, no! I mean what it is." She gave a quick glance to the demons horns. With an indignant cry Chroias flung the blankets over Nefret's head and refused to let them be pulled back. "Alright, I was just kidding!" She sputtered wrenching her head above the covers. With a huff they both settled back. "And you're going to tell him?" Nef asked again, just to make sure. "Soon." *** Mozenrath lay in his own bed. While he wasn't exactly thrilled with the events of the day, all in all, the outcome suited him. The hero was in his control, his minion had been return to health and back into his services, and a certain treacherous familiar had been found out. Now maybe things would return to normal. He could torment Aladdin, Nefret would return too normal tasks, and thing would be as they always have been. But something in the back of his mind told him that was only a dream, and reality would be hitting soon. Chapter 37 (by Kalynn)
Chroias yawned and stretched out of bed. She glanced at Nefret on the bed beside hers and smiled. It would be a comfort to know at least one experienced girl would be here for her. She swayed back slightly. The dizziness was already beginning to take effect. Within the next few days here belly would be in full swell. She cringed gently when she remembered humans took nine months to birth a child. It disgusted her. But since the baby was to be half demon half human Chroias wasn't really sure what to think. 'With any luck it'll be handsome' Chroias had found herself witness to several half cast births that had turned out deformed and was desperately praying to every god she knew that this one would look better. Nefret yawned gently and stood. "Sleep well." she questioned pointedly looking down at the demonesses stomach. "Just fine." she smiled. Nefret hated to bring this up. But... "We have to tell him." she noted. Chroias feigned stupidity. "We have to." Nefret said again. "He's going to be able to tell soon enough. Within a few months." She started making the bed. "Within a few days." Chroias countered. Nefret gave here a half questioning half fearful look. "Demon babies go twice as fast as human. Though I'm unsure of how a demon and human child will go." Chroias felt her thought stray momentarily. She wasn't truly worried about Mozenrath. It was her father who held her concerns. She knew he would disapprove of the bastered child. Of course Chroias herself had been conceived long before Hades and Persephonie had gotten hitched. What with Hades having actually kidnapped her mother and all. Nefret was thankfully unable to pick up on her thoughts. "Let's go tell him." she grabbed Chroias's arm "Now!!" she pushed on the struggling demoness. "All right I'm going! !I'm going!" Chroias giggled. "Don't be so rough with a pregnant lady!!" Nefret laughed out loud as she pushed the green haired girl down Mozenrath's hall. "Trust me, your no lady." If Chroias could have turned she would have slapped that girl. Chapter 38 (by me)
Mozenrath sat staring obliviously at the breakfast meal resting on the table. A soft pit pat reached his ears, the sound of Nefret's bear feet against the marble, countered the blunt click of Chroias's boots. Nef seemed to be back to normal. A good nights sleep had done the trick. Roias however was far too subdued. "Good morning my lord." Nefret's voice was brisk and all too charming. "Your night was pleasant I trust?" she didn't really expect and answer, and indeed did not get one. The girls sat down on the table and uncovered their plates. Picking up her cup Nefret made a point to give Chroias a sharp jab with her elbow. The demon responded by giving her an equally sharp kick under the table. Mozenrath's eyebrows knotted a bit as he observed a sudden pained look flash across his assistant's face, but decided not to pursue it. "Well, are we feeling better this morning?" He directed the comment to Nefret. In response Nef smiled and her eyes flashed in Chroias direction. Taking the slight hint he looked to his girlfriend. "And how are you?" "I feel sick." Chroias grumbled. Nefret wielded around to her friend, that wasn't exactly what she was expecting her to say. But indeed Chroias near white face had taken on a greenish tint that was the perfect rival for her hair. Roias pushed her plate away and rested her elbow on the table and in turn her head in her hand. The demon gladly accepted the glass of water Nef thrust at her. A few sips drained the green from her face and diminished the queasiness that had been churning somewhere in her belly. "Mozenrath.." She began determined but seemed to falter a bit. Another, slightly less sharp, jab from Nef set her straight again. "It really is a shame you know." Mozenrath, and even Nefret looked a bit confused by her words. "I mean, you have collected so much magic, learned so much! The greatest sorcerer of our age, and what will happen to it when you're gone? Sure you may live on in name for a while, but soon forgotten. Even with the help of the sharks tooth, you can't live forever. All things must, and will die. All things but that which is pasted down. Knowledge, legacy and even power can live on if they are pasted down. It is the greatest gift, eternity." She let that hang in the air for a moment for philosophical effect. Nef smiled, knowing where this was going. "Truly the ultimate endowment. A gift you shall have the honor to receive very soon. That is my gift to you my love, eternality. Immortality in the form of a child." She gave Mozenrath a smile, a kind of smile that stressed the old saying 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth.' The sorcerer's mouth opened and closed a few times giving the impression of a fish out of water. His eyes rolled to Nefret who was shoveling food in her mouth, tying in vain to act natural. But she could just barely keep her lips from turning up. Mozenrath's back hit hard against the chair back. His mouth began its futile gaping exercise again, but with a deep breath he stopped to regain his composure. Then his head shot back to his lover and his lips parted, but this time with purpose. Chapter 39 (by kalynn)
Mozenrath sat perfectly still for a full second. The look on Chroias's face was priceless. An artistic mixture of fearful anticipation and half morning sickness. Something many mothers are fully aware of. Mozenrath stood. His heels clicked against the marble as he walked over to Chroias and between Nefret. Nefret was on full alert. The tension couldn't have been cut with a scimitar. She fingered her dagger gently, incase *not that she really thought it would happen* Mozenrath got angry. Chroias's face seemed even paler as the look on Mozenrath's face made her very afraid for the first time in her life. "Moze..." she stammered out. "I didn't....I never meant...for this...It's partially your fault you know!!" she yelled to him .She was panicking slightly now. Her voice came out in a high scared pitch. "I mean it takes two to tango ya know. And we have been going at it like a couple a rabbits lately." She backed away and out of the chair. Trying to get as far away from the advancing sorcerer as possible. "I mean ...You can't blame this all on me..." she backed even further. Nefret had gotten up as soon as Chroias had moved. She wouldn't really hurt Mozenrath, but if she found the need to knock him out she would. Chroias was still in fear as the wall meet her back thanks to her backing away. Mozenrath reached and got a good hold behind her head. Nefret got ready to attack. Chroias gasped... For a split second everything froze. And the Mozenrath kissed her. And everything froze again. Nefret counted the seconds. 10,20,30,40. And Mozenrath pulled away. A prince like smile on his face. And suddenly Chroias got it. She let out a half aggravated half joyful growl. "You little shit." she said, As Mozenrath started laughing. "I am so going to get you for this....." She growled and flung herself full force on the sorcerer. Nefret backed up a step. "Ummm guys?" she said completely unsure of what was happening. "Excuse me but DID I MISS SOMETHING" Mozenrath looked up and untangled himself from Chroias's pale arms. "Nothing's wrong Nefret." he said. "I am simply fulfilling my duties." he looked again and realized she still had no clue what was going on. Chroias smiled at her very confused friend. "See a loooong time ago, Moze here told me what he would do if I were to ever get pregnant." "And that was what? Scare the crap out of you?" Nefret said still completely unknowing. "No!" she said. "Kiss me." Again with the confused look. "I was afraid I wouldn't ever be able to give birth. Ya know demon genes." Chroias gave Mozenrath another loving glance. Something that was completely uncharacteristic for her. "And he was kinda in a sappy mood..." "Moze was sappy..." Nefret commented and ducked a thrown pillow from Mozenrath. "Anyways... He told me if somehow I did manage it, he'd kiss me." "So why were you freaking out?" Nefret said. "Well I didn't know if he'd remember since it was right before Distane..."she trailed of and Gave her friend a meaningful look. Nefret gasped and nodded as she realized Mozenrath didn't know she knew. "Nefret..." Chroias said pulling her friend close. "You know how you suggested being a midwife..." Nefret smiled. "I wasn't trying to SUGGEST anything..." "Good!" Mozenrath started. "I don't want her to be the midwife. " "She won't be..." Chroias said to both their surprises. "She'll be midwife and god mother." The demoness looked again at her friend. "That is if she'll accept." The two looked at Nefret. Chapter 40 (by me)
Nefret's mouth opened and closed, opened, closed, in the same fruitless exercise Mozenrath had preformed a moment before. Her eyes rolled to Mozenrath than back to Chroias and finally falling to the floor in thought. Godmother, what did that involve? Well legally she would be obligated to take the child if both parents died, though that situation was unlikely. However as most things in life the legal definition fell short of reality. She would be like a second mother to this child, or maybe something like an aunt. Roias frowned, Nefret looked too solemn, she was going to say no. The demon suddenly felt her lover's hand rest on her shoulder, Mozenrath knew to. The two looked at each other and were about to exchange words when a strange sound caught their ears. They looked to the bowed plum colored head, was that what it sounded like? Was that a sniffle? Another one, slightly more suppressed. She wasn't holding back tears, she was holding back laughter! Nefret's shoulders shook and she made an odd staining sound.
"What's so funny!?" Chroias and Moze yelled simultaneously. "Do..*chuckle* Do I get... *sputter* A wand with a star on top?" She burst out laughing. "Why you little!!" With playfully angry cry Chroias caught the girl in her arms and rubbed her knuckles harshly over her skull. "You've been reading to many books! Don't you take anything seriously?" Nefret shook her head. "Well what do you say?" "Do I get a wand!?" Nefret clasped her hands together pleadingly. "NO!!!!!!" "Well if I don't get a magic wand..." She stopped just long enough to listen to Roias growl. "Alright." She finally said with tears hiding in the corners of her eyes. But they weren't from laughing, they were real. Chroias could tell by the soft shimmer in the other girl's eye. Chroias sighed happily and Mozenrath gave his best indifferent shrug. Nefret sauntered forward catching both the sorcerer and the demon by the shoulders. "Well it seems were all going to be one big happy family!" A slight gag escaped Mozenrath's throat. Nefret and Chroias flashed a dark look upon him, but halfway through her silent berating Nefret' face faulted. A sudden memory flashed in her mind. The night she and Roias had stayed up half the night playing truth or dare, the night they had joked about the likelihood of Mozenrath proposing marriage. But what troubled her most was that comment Chroias had made about her father. "Speaking of family..." She released Mozenrath's shoulder and drew Roias away slightly. "Isn't it time to spread the good news?" Chroias's throat flashed visibly as she swallowed hard. Chapter 41 (by Kalynn)
Mozenrath looked at his girlfriend's face. "Ok ready?" Chroias nodded. "Ready." "Rock, paper, scimatar." Mozenrath growled as he realized he got paper while Chroias turned out scimitar. The green haired demoness smiled. "Ok we tell your mom first." The low moan that escaped Mozenrath's throat was not present. "Do we have to? I mean she is going to get so annoying about this. And she will NOT be happy about Nef being the godmother!!" An aggravated look appeared on the plum girls face. "Hay! She kidnapped me!! All I did was knock out a few servants of hers and she threw a fit and magiced me..." "Save it Nef.." Chroias said. "I wish we could avoid this whole thing... but they'll find out soon enough." She patted her slightly bigger belly. It had grown incredibly in the past week. Not to mention other things were beginning to grow to a considerable size. Chroias had pouted when she realized her tube tops and tight jeans would no longer make it in her state. But Nefret had managed to sate her with the idea of a shopping spree. Mozenrath of course being stuck with the check. Nefret looked at her friend's now casual attire. She really did look good in it. The dark green top that covered her well and the black skirt that went down past her ankles. She really was quite an attractive girl, demon, whatever. Mozenrath sigh. "I really DO NOT want to do this." he moaned again. Chroias sighed and flicked a green magic stream out of her fingertips. "Lets just get this over with. Mine are next ya know." A shudder creped up Mozenrath's spine. Nefret sighed as the portal to Morbia opened and the trio stepped inside. Chapter 42 (by me)
Chroias glanced over at Nefret and the long ragged breath she drew in. The Egyptian girl remembered when she had been here last, dragged in screaming and kicking and throwing every insult she knew at Mozenrath's mother. Mirage had grumbled something about a headache and with a snap of her fingers Nefret's sight had grown fuzzy until nothing but darkness was left. Mozenrath was trying not to show any emotion one way or the other, but she could tell he wasn't happy. "Well, is it mother's day already?" Mirage suddenly appeared before them, much to everyone's surprise, or maybe it was more like to everyone's despair. They had come to see her after all, but somehow trepidation now crept up their collective spines. "It's so nice to see my son again. And you've brought your little demonic girlfriend, and the..." Her face dropped and a hand shot to her left temple. "the fog horn." Nefret took a step forward, but thought better of it. Mirage reverted to her old self, giving a smile with the coolness only a cat could achieve. "Well I hope today's gift is a bit more thoughtful than the last I received from you." Her eyes turned dark but that catty smile remained plastered on her face. "Ahh, Mirage! Funny you should mention 'gifts'." Chroias saunter forward flinging her hair to one side casually. The demon ran a loving hand over her gently rounded belly. Mirage eyed her suspiciously. Mozenrath approached them suddenly nervous that his pregnant girlfriend was standing so close his mother. "We've come to tell you that..." his words died on his lips, the most literal case of 'cat got your tongue' yet. The sorcerer cleared his throat. "That I've fathered a child!" the words ran out off his lips in one short breath. That seemed the only way he could get them out. Mirage looked dumfounded for an instant. "And who's the mother?" Her eyes darted mockingly between the girls. Chroias growled slightly and Nefret stamped forward with a sourer look as her fists balled. "Careful girl, I can put you under again." Mirage warned. This halted Nefret's advance with a small 'eep'. "No, it is quite clear who's the pregnant one here!" her yellow eyes narrowed on Chroias's abdomen. "Good guess oh perceptive one." Roias quipped with a roll of her eyes. Than an idea flashed on her face. Moze and Nef could almost see the preverbal light bulb over her head, or maybe it was more like a roman candle. "Hey, maybe next Mother's day we could celebrate together! That would be sooo nice." None could tell if she was joking or not. Not even Nefret, the master of all sarcasm herself. "Hey Neffie can join in to, we can call it 'Mother and Godmother's day!' We'd be trend setters!" "Godmother?" Mirage asked dumbly. "The fog horn is the Godmother!!!!" Her shoulders rose and her arms stained as her fists flexed at her sides. Nefret stated to laugh nervously. "What will see teach the child? How to quip and be an all around royal pain in the ass!!???" "You did quite a good job of teaching Mozenrath that fine art." Nefret grumbled under her breath, but not quite low enough. Mozenrath shot her an inhuman look as Roias rolled her eyes. No one really noticed the extent of the evil incarnates anger until the air practically crackled with infuriated energy. The hair stood up on the group's neck and the forced their heads around to stare at Mirage. "Ok, mission completed!" Moze opened a portal and started to nudge Chroias through it, she only half protested. Nefret on the other hand seemed to be in a state of frozen shock, her mouth gaping open slightly. As he passed Mozenrath's hand shot out to grab her sleeve, and she half stumbled and half dragged along. As the portal quickly closed behind them Mirage's last words slipped though. "WAIT, I'm going to be a GRANDMOTHER?!" "One down." Chroias started. "One to go!" Nef finished. Chapter 43 (by Kalynn)
Nefret looked at the dots of sweat on Chroias's head. The demoness was twice as nervous as when they had talked to Mirage. The plum haired girl shook her head. Certainly Chroias's parents couldn't be any worse than Mirage. Chroias motioned to her lover and friend. "Back up...this spell always has a tendency to snap the room a bit." Mozenrath grabbed Nefret's arm. "I think we aughta move." Chroias began to mutter cryptic phrases. One in particular caught Nefret's attention. "I am Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, and have the power to be born a second time." Chroias muttered in a low voice. Nefret gasped as she recognized it from the Egyptian Book of the Dead. "I am the divine bidden soul who created the gods and gives sepulchral meals to the denizens of the deep." A bright goldish green glow began to forum into a pool of liquid like substance. "The place of the dead, and heaven..." The glow began to embrace and surround Chroias as the room...flexed. "Hail lord of the shrine that stands in the center of the earth. He is I, and I am he!" A deadly silence crawled over the room and suddenly the portal caved in on it's self and spiraled just as quickly upwards and billowed out into a sphere like shape. Two figures became apparent in the greenish-gold haze. Nefret grabbed Chroias shoulder. "Lemmi guess..." Chroias nodded. "Meet my mom and dad." Nefret took a quick look at the duo. Persephonie was pretty enough. Not beautiful...but pretty in a very girl next-door kind of way. Mahogany brown hair that hung in wild curls about her well shaped face. Green streaks accompanied the brownness giving it a natural look. Her bright blue eyes seemed to speech...'I belong outdoors.' Her long, aristocratic nose paved the way down to lush and rose lips. Her slim body told as to how Chroias managed her slim figure. But obviously, she got her height from her father. Hades was a handsome man. If you ignored the dark glare his face held. The man towered at least seven foot, probably a bit over. His hair was a shock green and was pulled back into a sharp business like ponytail. He was porcelain pale and his eyes glowed the same bright red as Chroias's. Two long bull like horns adorned his brow and a crown of black opals toped off the whole king of the dead ensemble. He walked out of the portal on gargoylish feet and his tail swished back and forth like Chroias's did when she was displeased about something. Chroias sighed and gave a long respectful bow. To Nefret's surprise Mozenrath gave the same. Only not quite so low. And not quite taking his eyes off Hades. Persephione didn't seem to pay attention to her daughter stiff manner. The goddess rushed forward taking her daughter in a hug. "Oh my little baby..." she said. Nefret giggled as she realized how upset Chroias looked. The demoness's face had taken on a reddish tinge. Hades however didn't seem inclined to hug her. He did however look at the bulging stomach as though it was a growth. "So I see it happened." His voice came out in a low deadly growl. Something akin to what one might expect from a rabid wolf. Chroias put a determined almost stubborn look on her face. "Yeah it happened...just like you said it would." "And now you've come to beg your way back home..." "Wrong." A darker look crossed Hades face. A reddish smoke began to leak out from his silted eyes. "What..." he whimpered with a snake like hiss. "You were right in only one respect daddy." Chroias said and looked at Mozenrath. As though taking a cue, Mozenrath walked up behind Chroias and placed a protective hand around his lover's waist. "He hasn't left me." "And I have no intention of doing as such either." Mozenrath growled looking directly into the Lord of the Dead's eyes. "I though you swore you'd never marry a man who could legally keep a harem." Hades said eyeing Nefret. Before Nef could get out an indignant remark, Chroias interrupted and sent her friend a quick warning glare. "She is most certainly not a harem girl." "Damn right." Nefret blurted out and this time received a warning glare from Mozenrath. 'Then who is she?" Hades didn't pose this question to his daughter but instead to Mozenrath. To his credit Mozenrath didn't even flinch. "SHE is my baby's godmother! And I'll thank you to treat her with her due respect." Hades shot the sorcerer a deadly glare. He seemed to be very adamant about glares. "You will do well to treat me with my due respect. It is only by my good graces that I am not killing you." "Like I'd let you." Chroias popped up. For the first time since the hug Persephionie spoke. "Darling you know your daddums doesn't mean it. He's just a bit over protective." "Overprotective my ass." Chroias blurted out with anger. "He just wanted me to get stuck with one of those damn half god that go around with every nymph or drayid that'll take 'em." "And you think this sorcerer will be ANY more loyal to you!!!" Hades shouted at her. "Damn straight I will!!" Mozenrath shouted at the top of his lungs. Nefret froze. For about the billionth time in her history with this sorcerer she again doubted his sanity. The look on Mozenrath's face was almost enough to rival that of Hades. "I will not be the one to betray your daughter Hades. I care about her to much for that!" A small smile escaped Hades lips. "CARE about her." He gave a short sharp laugh. "All you do is CARE about her." He snorted again. "CAREING about her is all good and dandy. But do you LOVE her?" Everyone in the room looked at the sorcerer. Waiting for his reply. Chapter 44 (by me)
Mozenrath had a dark look on his face, anyone that knew him well enough recognized it as his deep thinking countenance. Nefret's slapped her palm against her forehead, and Roias looked worried, perhaps more so than when she first started to call her parents. It wasn't a very good sign that he had to think about it. Hades face turned a sadistic sort of satisfaction, and his wife wrung her hands and looked sympathetically at her daughter. Mozenrath's voice was low and harsh at first, but grew more and more confident with each passing word. "I have been with your daughter for seven years. She has stayed with me through thick and thin, and I with her. She has been my guardian, friend, confidant, and lover. And now she takes on the role of mother of my child. Do you not think I love her? Do you not think I have the option of not loving her?" His voice was deadly, a challenge to anyone to contradict him. Hades mouth squeezed together and out, as if he desperately wanted to say something, but didn't know quite what. All the gathered women let out a collective sigh of relief. But stopped mid-way as a laugh rang out. A twisted sort of laugh. A laugh that Nefret had often heard Mozenrath utter, but she didn't recognize it as his voice. No, this laugh could only belong to one person. Hades. Most laughs warm the hearts of the people who hear it, but this one was so angry it froze Nefret's blood cold. "Well." father looked at daughter. "It seems what's done is done. Nothing to do now but sit back and see what happens." This brought a look of anguished acknowledgement to the demons face. Nefret finally made a move, nearing her friend and patting her back reassuringly. "You will stay here for the birth? We have capable doctors." Contrary to what might be expected, Hades wasn't sentimental about the birthing preparation of his grandchild. Instead his words were that of cold necessarity. "No, no doctors." Chroias turned a respectful, yet determined look to her father. "Nefret is my midwife. Don't worry, she's experienced. She can handle it." Chroias answered her mother's concerned gaze. "Can she handle this one?" Hades eyed the younger girl haughtily, she looked no account. Nefret's jaw set in anger, but she was smart enough to keep quite to the lord of the dead. Chroias nodded. Again Hades looked about to say something, but he digressed. "Well, it there any other 'good news'?" He waited for an answer, when none came he continued. "Than, there is nothing more that can be done, or said." Hades was angry, he was a God! And yet there was noting he could really do in this situation, Roias was pregnant, there was no stopping that. And try as he might, he couldn't rightfully control her anymore. Sure he could kill Mozenrath, but what would that really do? Make him feel better yes, but not much else. It would leave the child a true bastered. So he would wait, and he would keep a watchful all on all the resident of the Citadel. That much was for sure! Chapter 45 (by Kalynn)
Chroias turned and hugged Nefret. Small tears of either fear or joy were turning her face an uncharacteristic red. Mozenrath pushed Nefret gently out of the way. "Nice family you have." he muttered. "No worse than yours." Nefret retorted. She turned her plum head to Chroias. "I'm surprised Hades didn't take both your heads off." "Oh you think this is the bad part." Chroias gave a small laugh. "Wait a few days. I'm sure by now all my siblings have heard. Don't be surprised if one or fifty of my uncles, cousins, GODfathers and a thousand other half immortals drop by." A half panicked look came over Mozenrath's pale face. "How many?" "Oh don't worry. None of them will be half as bad as daddy." Chroias kissed his chin. "Nefret." she looked to her friend. "What?" the plum haired girl smiled as she caught the look on her friends face. "Ummm I think I left the buns in the oven." she said knowing it was a horrible excuse. Taking her chances, Chroias sat Mozenrath down. "Moze ..." she hesitated. "Mozenrath...did you...." A small churning hit her stomach, and it wasn't the baby. "Did you really mean what you said?" She looked carefully into his dark eyes. "About loving you." Mozenrath let the words drop with a small voice that didn't appear to be his. It reminded Chroias of a time between them a long time ago. Back when a scared teen of barely seventeen had taken her heart and her soul. It reminded her of the same scared teen who cried when he told her the truth about depth of Destain's sickness. And how much that sickness had touched him. "Chroias you've been with me a long time." He said as he wiped a tear from the woman's cheek. "I...I never..." he grumbled something that sounded like a curse and then continued. "I didn't think....that...a..a. guy like me was.......capable...of being...." he paused momentarily. The word was on the tip of his tongue. And it took all of his strength to push it out. "Loved, by anyone." He bowed his head momentarily. Not in humility but in quiet reflection. "I remember when you first showed me the many forms love came in." He grinned with a trace of his former casual confidence. "The many many forms it came in." Chroias slapped him lightly. "And I never forgot that." He removed the sharks tooth from his shirt. "And thanks to a certain minion...." he glared in the direction Nefret had just exited. "I don't have to." Chroias smiled. It wasn't quite the plain 'I love you' she had wanted. But with Mozenrath she had long ago learned to take what he was able to give. A sudden look came over Chroias's face. "What?" Mozenrath asked. "The baby." Chroias started. Mozenrath paled. "Already!!!" "No no!!" Chroias's smile lit up the halls. "It kicked." "Did I just hear it kicked!!??" Came a familiar voice. Mozenrath glared as Nefret came running in. Chroias uncovered her belly and placed her friends hand up to the growing ponch. "Oh my GODS!" Nefret said in an almost squeal. "It's kicking." She turned to look at her lord. "Moze you gotta feel." The sorcerer frowned. "I don't think I should..." Nefret didn't give him time to decide. Without a trace of fear she snatched his hand and placed it directly onto Chroias's stomach. He barely felt it at first. Just the smallest tiniest thump of a movement on his hand. Then it strengthened. A small...ever so slight smile crossed Mozenrath's lips. So small even Nefret could barely tell it. But Chroias saw. And she smiled. Chapter 46 (by me)
Things really picked up after that. Well not really, to say they picked up would imply that the time before had been slow! And ever since Roais had arrived they had come close to destroying Agrabah, Nefret had been exiled, Xerxes had been exiled, Xerxes had used Aladdin to try and take revenge, and Nefret had slipped into a coma! No, thing had definitely not been slow! It was more like the velocity of things matched the previous pace of its predecessors. As the demons predicted, by the end of that day some rather unholy relatives did come out of the woodwork. But Nefret left them in the hands of Mozenrath and Chroias, she wanted to avoid that whole harem confusion mess as much as possible. But she didn't find time to relax either, there was too much to do. Nefret sat with her legs crossed on the arm of Mozenrath's throne, her usual post, even if Moze found it annoying. But he wouldn't care one way or another, for now he was off with Roias, fraternizing with one of her relatives no doubt ".. After that prepare dinner. I want something nice! And make extra 'cause I don't know who's lurking around here." Nefret mumbled off the chores on her list to the head domestic mumluk. "Oh and one more thing. I want you to be ready with hot water, rages, a knife, and plenty of sheets at my command. I'm not sure when the birth will take place, but with Roias looking the way she does..." Nefret tapped the pen to her lips thoughtfully. "How long do you think it will be?" The Mumluk groaned in dumb submission. The Egyptian girls brow knotted up. Why oh why was did she bother? With a deep sigh she excused the servant, she herself had work to do. Mozenrath entered the throne room with Chroias clinging lovingly to his arm. He plunked down on his throne with an exhausted sigh. The last visitor had just left, but who knows when the next wave would hit! "I think you handled yourself quite well." Roias commented, obviously continuing a conversation they had begun a while ago. Mozenrath shot her a withering glance. Again the demons predictions had been correct, none of the other had been as bad as Hades, but that wasn't to say that some hadn't come close. Chroias sighed and smoothed her hand over large belly. She suddenly felt something was missing. "Were is Nefret?" the demons eyes rolled around the room, as if she might have just passed he by without noticing. "Hiding from your family I expect. I wish I could do the same." He mused. Roias frowned. "Humm. Maybe I should go look for her." That said the demon turned and left. The study, lab and library were empty, as well as her bedroom. Roias tapped her foot on the marble floor impatiencely. "Of for the love of all Hahtor and Horus! You're about as much help as a sistrum without strings! Let go I'll do it myself! Gah!!!!" Roias rounded the corner just in time to see the mumluk release the end of what they were carrying. It promptly swayed under Nefret's grasp and she struggled to stay on her feet. "Oh shut up." She shot at the undead servant as it watched mutely while she struggled. The pregnant demon couldn't help but laugh. "I'd help you deary, but a woman in my condition should take it easy." "This is payback for me not helping with your relatives isn't it?" Nefret finally got a good grasp on the object. "Bingo!" The demon followed her friend into her bedroom. Nefret set down he burden near Chroias's bed. "Where did you find that anyway?" she gave her new piece of décor a thoughtful look. "You'd be surprised what's scatted about the Citadel." She smacked the side of the crib proudly and choked back the cloud of dust that her actions raised. "Destain wasn't the first person to live here ya know." Her voice turned a bit dark at the name, but she gave the baby crib a slight smile. "Who knows, this might have been a happy family home once." Both looked around with skeptical looks. "Well maybe not. But we might be needing this soon. Hum?" She eyed her best friend carefully. Roias gave no definitive answer, only grinned and ran a clawed finger over the crib. Chapter 47 (by Kalynn Osburn) Chroias ran her hand over the crib and sighed. Suddenly a kick hit her belly. "Off. This little guys ready to go." she said and smiled at Nefret. The plum haired girl smiled back and continued to arrange the sheets. Another kick caught Chroias attention. Then another. Then another. A warm wet feeling ran down her leg. 'Um Nef..." she said hurriedly. The plum haired girl turned her head and gasped. "Aww Hathor when you said soon you meant soon!!" She placed the green haired demoness on the couch. "Stay down. I'm going for Mozenrath." She removed a piece of wood from her side. Ok I want you to hold this. If the pain really kicks in bite down." Chroias nodded and gripped the piece of wood as a contraction started. Nef gave her a slight kiss on the head and rushed off to find Mozenrath. She turned the halls and down the corridors in record time. 'Mozenrath!" she yelled as she caught him just outside of the library The sorcerer turned. "Nefret I really don't have time for.." He caught the look in her eyes and bolted. Making it all the way from the library to Chroias's room in less time then Nefret. "Chroias." he called and attempted to avoid the water around her bed. He face was contorted a bit from the contraction pain, but other then that she appeared fine. "I feel like I'm having a really bad cramp." she whispered. Mozenrath felt the belly. "One things for sure, this has got to be the fastest weight loss exercise ever." Chroias started to laugh and didn't make it." She felt a searing pain go through her. Nefret entered the room. "Moze ya gotta go. Men aren't allowed in the birthing room." Mozenrath gave her a vile look but stopped as Chroias nodded her head. He stood and walked out. Nefret grasped Chroias's hand. "Ok breath just breath." Mozenrath paced outside the doors. He was not comfortable with not being allowed in there. 'Chroias is a big girl she can handle herself. She was always independent you know that' He paced some more. Yes but I want her to need me somewhat. I do want her to be near me' He finally sat down. "And do you think the child will be any different? He will inherit the same capabilities as both you and the mother have plus anything you teach him' Mozenrath had to smile. He and Chroias had have their share of arguments over weather the child would be a boy or girl. Truly he didn't really care what it would be. But he was kind of hoping desperately for a son. 'Nefret isn't going to be partial.' He was glad of that much. Nefret 'that damn minion' would be sure to include anything he or Chroias would forget in the children's education. 'He will have everything. Everything I was never given. I'll teach the child every spell every incantation, everything! Any sorcerer would be proud to know. He'll have it all. Or she will.' He reminded himself as he realized the child could very well be a she as much as a he. "I'll be sure that they never suffer." he said allowed and bitterly as Distane crossed his mind. "Nothing like that will ever happen to him." he promised as solemnly as though making a vow before Allah himself. "I swear to god I'll protect them." The door opened and a tiered but pleased looking Nefret came out. Mozenrath appeared taken aback with the blood now on her top and bottom. But she was smiling and if anything was wrong she wouldn't be smiling. "Mozenrath," she said . "Congratulations. You are now the proud father of twins." Mozenrath sighed and then caught what she said. "Father of what??" Nefret smiled. "Twins one boy and one...."Mozenrath collapsed. "Girl." Chapter 48 (by me) Nefret sighed and bent over her lord. He wasn't unconsciously, just lying there contemplating this new revelation. In the room a baby wailed and a tired hush sounded. "Well have it your way then." She stood back up and headed to the door, but never made it. Mozenrath was on his feet and pushing his way past her before Nef knew what overtook her. Mozenrath swallowed hard and peered at the occupants on the bed. Roais looked deadly tried, but happy. Clean white sheets lay over her and cradled in each arm was a wiggling, waling mass. It was apparent which was the girl, a pretty baby who already had a mop of black hair. But not completely black two small streaks of light green framed her plump face. Her eyes shown a tuslusan red, ruddy, but with enough brown in it to pass as normal. The boy was truly the child of his father, like his sister his he already possessed a mop of black hair and his eyes were a brilliant green. A color that rivaled his mother's tresses. But unlike his other half small horns adorned his head. While both babies were a pleasant pink sort of color, it was apparent that both were as ashen their lineage. "Truly beautiful children. Certainly the most interesting I've delivered! You both did well." Mozenrath suddenly looked up to see his servant standing near the bed. She looked rather bad, Nefret caught onto his thought. "Well, I'll be going now!" She stopped at the door just long enough to smile at the family scene. Somehow this seemed so normal, despite the participants. Mozenrath made sure Nefret was truly gone before he set down on the bed. Slowly he studied the children, Chroias's children, HIS children. Who would have ever thought.? Then his eyes rolled to the demoness. "We did well." He repeated Nefret's words. She nodded and lay back in the bed. "We did!" she confirmed. All fears of deformities and problem births had been swept far far away. Everything had gone smoothly and the children were beautiful. But than how could they be anything but? With their parents and all. It was latter that night and all the residents of the Citadel were huddled comfortably in Chroias bed chambers. Both girls on the bed and Mozenrath sitting in a chair holding his son. The next great sorcerer of the seven deserts, that was for sure. Nef and Roias were in the process of poking at the little girl. And Nef was cooing something like, Contrary to what some may think; you couldn't have been given to better parents. And I'll always be here for you." Chroias looked over with a sly grin. "And she'll teach you how to quip and be a royal pain in the ass!" "Oh no she wont!" Moze protested. Both new parents smiled at the sour look on the girls face. Nef bent down putting her face just inches away from baby's ear "Well than, I'm sure Roias an I can teach you how to bug the hell out of Mozy." Her voice was so soft that it escaped the ears of the sorcerer. Good thing to! Chapter 49 (by Kalynn) Chroias sighed. "You know it'll be the same now. " she said to Nefret. The plum haired girl looked over. "They'll age quickly. Probably within the next five years they'll be fully grown. She sighed. "I grew up very fast to. But since there half human, perhaps it'll take a bit longer." She sounded very hopeful of this as she held the baby girl in her arms. She ruffled the green streaks in her daughter's hair. "What shall we name you humm.?" she voiced aloud. "Damn it." Nefret shouted. "Names, we completely forgot names." She looked at the door. "Maybe we aughta get Mozenrath in here. He should have his say in named to." Chroias nodded. "Mozenrath!" she called to the direction of the throne. "Moze come here." The sorcerer walked in, a wailing child in his arms. "How do you get this child to stop crying?" he said in a helpless voice. The baby boy wriggled in his father's arms and squealed in anger as if he somehow wasn't getting his way. Chroias smiled. "Give him here." Mozenrath looked almost relieved as she took the child, and almost let his jaw hit the floor as she undid her top and placed the baby to be feed. "Umm Chroias..." he said in a warning voice and looking at Nefret. "Hay come on. I've seen a nursing before." she placed her hands on her hips and frowned. "It's no biggie. And you'd had better get used to it." "Oh I almost forgot." Chroias said as Mozenrath tried to find a way to counteract Nefret's statement. "We need to name them." Again a shocked look came over his face. "I'm not a namer." he said. "All right then. How about we name this one Lazurus." She rubbed her sons horns. "And this little bundle of love Tristram." She looked at Mozenrath for approval. "Lazurus?" he said unsurely. "Tristram?" he looked at his daughter. "Unless you have a better suggestion." Chroias hinted. Mozenrath muttered something indiscernible. "What?" Nefret and Chroias said in a duet. "I wanted to name them Zakarum," he pointed to the son at Chroias's breast. "And Rasha." "How about a compromise?" Nefret suggested. "The little girl is Tristram and the little boy is Zakarum." Chroias removed the baby from her and looked at him. "How does that sound? Do you want to be Zak." The baby gave a burbled coo in response and both the girls gave an awwww that would have given a sprite a concussion. "And you..." Nefret said scooping up the baby girl. "You'll be little Tris." The little girl giggled and snatched a curl of her fathers hair. Mozenrath jerked back. Still a bit unsure of holding his daughter. "Go on Moze." Nefret said. "Go on. She won't bite." The baby Tris smiled and showed her fangs. "Ok maybe she will. But she's only a baby." Unsurely he took the child. Tris fingered the stray curl in her father's turban and reached for the glowing red jewel in the top. Giving a half grin to the child, he removed his hat and placed it in the child's lap. Immediately the baby began to chew on the rim. "Hay!" Mozenrath yelped. "She's only curious." Chroias said as she began to yawn. "Give her a moment." Suddenly a shocked look hit her face. "Cloths!!" Nefret made the same realization. "That's right. We need to get the kids cloths!!" Mozenrath moaned. That would mean another trip to Agrabah. Something he was defiantly not in the mood for. "We'll have to go in guise this time." Chroias pointed out. "I am not at best strength for a fight with hero and wife. And I won't have my baby's in the line of fire." "Can you do that?" Nefret questioned. "I mean um..." she glanced at the horns. "Sure. I didn't last time because there was no need. I can cast a reasonably good illusion that should fool anyone except the Genie." Chroias nodded. "And I think I'm strong enough to cast one over the children to." Mozenrath growled. "I think I'll just stay here." "Awww but Mozie!!!" Chroias complained. "No Chroias." Mozenrath said. Chroias sighed, to weary to fight. "An angry woman needs mad money to spend." she hinted at. Mozenrath sighed. He tossed a nicely sized coin purse her direction and sauntered off. "Ready Nef?" The plum haired girl nodded and stepped up to the all ready mad portal. Chapter 50 (by me) Chroias ran a hand over her hair, now longer the shocking shade of green, but a rather pleasing brown color. Her eyes followed the hue of her tresses, and while she was still pale, it wasn't such an ashen white. No one would have known this mahogany beauties secret. The baby girl in her arms had lost the green streaks in her hair, but her eyes remained the same, they were brown enough to pass unnoticed. Nefret's face contorted in pain as baby Zak gave a sharp pull of her ears. The girl gave him a half amused tap on the nose. That didn't abide his desire to pick on her and he gave her own nose a small pull. This one would defiantly be a hand full! She shifted the baby in her arms, placing his back to her. Now unable to pick on his godmother Mozenrath's son watched in amazement the sights and sounds of the marketplace. And boy was it busy! But through all the fuss the two baby lugging women found what they needed. Some very cute girls clothes, in varying sizes, since the child would grow quickly. And some equally cute boys clothes. They had even picked out an adorably mini turban for little Zak. Not that he would wear it, it was more fun to wave it around. Smacking people in the process. "Roias, I'll be right back!" Nef breathed quickly dumping Zak in the demons free arm. Chroias sighed rather happily and shifted Tris and Zak in her arms. Nef's eyes had been caught by some sticky buns, and what was mad money it you couldn't use it from something mad? Baby Tris suddenly took notice to the present her brother held. With a fussy pout she grabbed for the hat, Zak held on and the two struggled for power. A sudden wail raised itself from the girl's throat and the hat was thrown, or maybe flew across the street. With a chuckle the man that had been watching swept up the turban before it could be trampled upon. "I think the belongs to you." Aladdin returned the hat to the baby with a slight amused bow. Chroias's breath caught in her throat, but the hero and his wife where alone, and without the benefit of a certain blue genie. Her disguise would hold. She smiled beguilingly. "Twins? There're so cute! The must be very special." Jasmine praised the mother. "Yes, they are VERY special!" she rocked them gently in her arms. Aladdin nodded with a smile and they began to walk away, but just then. "Oh, these pastries are wonderful! I wish these kids could eat solid food!" Nef ran up with a handful of sweet buns. "But with those fangs, who knows what she'll eat, or who!" the plum-haired girl joked shoving a bun in her mouth. Chroias's face twitched slightly, an action quickly emulated by Nef as she caught sight of the problem. She quickly turned her face. Just in time to, as the royal couple turned to her. "Um yes, that DOG and her FANGS! Let go home and feed the DOG" Chroias suddenly turned tail, taking Nef with her. "It's so good to joke like that when we're going incognito!" She whispered harshly. Nef was stopped mid shrug by an arm on her shoulder. It wasn't who she thought it was, it couldn't be, she assured herself before looking over her shoulder. But it was! Aladdin stood there slightly confused. "Nefret?" He asked, but it was hard to misidentify that head of hair! "How many friends do you have that I'm unaware of?" he motioned to the brown haired woman holding the babies. Good, he hadn't caught on. "Oh. A few." She smiled, but faulted a bit as she saw Al studying the twins and their mother. A slight realization was donning on Jasmine's face. "Well, we best be off now. Babies shouldn't be out in this hot sun for to long." Nef received baby Tris from Chroias and they started off. Leaving Aladdin and Jas behind, still working things out. "Hey!" He yelled and rushed in front of them. Roias sighed, it was no use hiding it anymore. Her disguise faded out, and Al eyed the children. The boy was crowned by a set of horns and the girl flashed her fangs in a joyous smile as she clung to Nefret's arms. Then, almost as quickly as these features had come they disappeared. "Who's.." he managed to mutter. The girls shot him a who-do-you-think look. "Oh. What! No, not him!" "So, these children are half demon, half Mozenrath?" Jasmine paled as the two girls nodded in the affirmative. "By Allah what were you thinking?" "I think we all know what they were thinking, and thinking with!" Nef mumbled. Jasmine blushed at the bluntness of the comment. "Oh, don't you think my godchildren are cute?" "Want to hold him." Chroias asked slyly letting Zakurum's horn show themselves again. Both hero's jumped back. "So be it. Well we did come here just for a baby cloths shopping spree, and I think we succeeded?" She looked to Nef who raised the basked triumphantly. "But it was so nice to see you again! Baby shower gifts are always welcome! I'm registered at several booths!" She waved as a portal opened up right there in the street. Aladdin and Jasmine were left by themselves looking, well rather pale. "Did you have a nice time spending my money?" Moze half smiled as Chroias waked into the room followed by Nef carrying a full basket, full of cloths and one little girl. "It was an uneventful trip I presume?" Both girls smiled a bit. "Love, when you have babies along, no trip is uneventful!" The demon laughed. Chapter 51 (by Kalynn) Chroias sighed as she placed the twins in their individual cribs. They immediately clutched different arms of the teddy bear Nefret had bought them. Snuggling close to it, they managed to fall asleep after an eventful day. Nefret walked in a moment later, holding a sticky bun in one hand and another in her mouth. "Oh dear god Roias." she held one out and the demoness gladly took it. "I'm sorry I blew our cover like that. I should have been more careful around..." "Don't worry about it. Maybe now that they know Moze has offspring, they'll lay offa him." She gave the baby girl a loving pat. "Moze was not happy when he noticed how much pink stuff you got her." "Nefret smiled. "I'll tell you what would have really made him mad. If I had picked up that green and purple dinosaur doll I saw." she scratched her head momentarily. "I think the owner called it a Barney or something." Chroias shrugged. "Sounds like a demon we have down in Tarturus. It tortures people with it's singing." She looked back down at the twins. "Oh god Nef they're going to be so happy." her voice was so full of hope and love Nefret didn't need to say anything. "I'm going to make sure of it." Mozenrath moved slightly when Chroias nudged him aside to get into bed. "Good evening." he murmured and immediately wrapped a protective arm around her stomach. He frowned slightly after having grown used to having a child filled belly against his hand, he found himself somewhat disappointed at not being able to feel the child kick. Chroias turned and pressed herself against him. "Hi lover." she whispered against his skin and slowly nodded off to sleep. Unfortunately, as any new mother can say, sleep with newborn twins in the house will not last long. Mozenrath was awakened by the sound of two hungry wails flying up into the bedroom and Chroias moving into a bathrobe and dodging out the door. He got up slowly and followed her. He entered the door and turned around as he realized the children were nursing again. Chroias sighed as she realized this was something Mozenrath had never seen before and would have to get used to. She stood and popped up beside him just as Tris let out another piercing wail and sent her teddy bear flying across the room. "Did she just do that?" Mozenrath questioned with some amazement. "Probably. She made a turban fly in the market place yesterday." Chroias handed him the girl and boy. "I'll go find Nefret to give us a hand." The moment she disappeared out the door the baby's began to cry. And when they cried they really cried. Mozenrath gave a desperate glance at the door. No sign of either girl. He was going to have to handle this himself for the time being. A memory of something came to his mind. He had never done it before. But to get the kids to stop he was willing to try. Mozenrath took a deep breath and sang. "Good night sweet heart well it time to go." he let the children have a moment to realize what that strange sound was before continuing. "Good night sweet heart well it's time to go. I hate to leave ya but I really must say. Goodnight sweet heart good night." The babies began to settle in and suck on their thumbs. "Well it's three o'clock in the morning. Baby I just can't treat you right. Well I hate to leave ya babay. I don't mean mabey. Because I love you so. Do doeo do." as he went in for the deep part two giggling sounds reached his ears. Mozenrath glared at the door and spied the two girls at the entrance. Chroias holding dippers and Nefret holding her sides. Nefret couldn't top laughing long enough to get out anything. But Chroias walked over to her lover's arms and took one baby. "Nice job love." she gave him a smile that promised a fully sleepless night. Chapter 52 (my me) The night had been a long one. Up and down all night long. Nefret had gotten the most sleep and was therefore "volunteered" to keep on eye on them through the early morning while mom and pop got some much-needed sleep. The bedroom was mostly quiet, the only sounds where the occasional gurgle or laugh of Zakurum as he tumbled on the floor with Anubis. Now it has to be said that Anubis wasn't the smallest, or softest dog in all of the seven deserts. And the Egyptian woman had her qualms about introducing the children to the hound. But surprisingly Anubis was quite meek about the situation, lying submissively on his side as Zak pulled his ears and tail and tugged at his collar. He must have had practice in patience when a certain purple haired child (who shall not be named) had tried to ride him through the halls of a temple at the age of 6. Nefret contemplated the child in her lap. the child contemplated her back. Her reddish eyes shone a deep serious thought matching the look in the woman. Then her lids dropped and she grinned, the spell was broken. "Uh, my aren't we the happy with ourselves?" Nefret laid the baby down and changed her top, which just a moment ago had been spit up upon. "Well as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. You, my child, are growing all to fast. It was a few days ago you came out looking like tiny wet birds and now." she watched the twins crawl over Abubis who gave her a pleading look. They where all plump and fat and already had a head full of dark hair. They could have been on this earth for months. "Well I guess you can't do much about it. Hey, bet you don't know what Friday is?" She picked up the horned twin and he laughed as she gave him a tiny toss. "Yes July 27, but also your fathers birthday! What horrible... I mean nice, friendly thing can I do for him? Well, no need to get him a gift. He already got two bundles of.." Zak reached out and pulled her hair. "Joy." "Troubles dear?" Chroias asked from the door. "You're supposed to be asleep!" Nef scolded, but there was a hint of relief in her voice. "Well as along as your up!" She dumped Zakurum into his mother's arms. "Someone is hungry!" Chroias plopped down on the bed and began to feed her baby while Nefret turned her full attention to Tris. "To an answer you previous question, yes I have had 'troubles'. Tris has been practicing her little talent on a stuff in my room, Zak has taken to pulling my hair, I was spit up on, and poor Anubis has been reduced to twin number 2 babysitter." She sighed. Roais gave her a funny look. "But I wouldn't trade them for all the tea in China!" Nefret smiled. "I agree! They're a hand full, that's to be expected. But there're wonderful." She tried to sum up her feeling in one word, and 'wonderful' was about the best word. "I agree about something else to. We do have to find something horib.. Nice for a certain someone's birthday!"