Patron Series

by LauraLynn

*CHAPTER 14 UP* The continuation of Patron!!!!!!!! BOY is it gettin big!!! R/R

13. Patron13

Patron part 13 Previously: okay, I'm getting tired of writing these things. All you need to know is Mozenrath is a Disney character and if you don't know him just think really evil dark sorcerer dude. Nefret is the minion and belongs to me, your webmistress Laura. Chroias is Mozenrath's lover/girlfriend and belongs to Kalynn. Chroias and Mozenrath have 2 children Tristram and Zakurum who are also property of Kalynn. Apepe is a minor character with a bigger part in this story and also Nefret's half brother. He belongs to me also. All these dang characters have had a bunch of other adventures that I wont go into here. Now this is a sort of rest for them all. Read and enjoy the chaos.

Chapter 300 (by Nefret)

Moze grumbled incoherently about being late but really didn't shoot the insults into her like normal. It was just. Nefret had always just been. Nefret. In her normal skirt and orthodox linen top with her hair in off kilter curls.. she had just become Nefret. Now she was different. oh yeah, something was up. But he wouldn't pry this time, he'd give her the benefit of the doubt, just 'cause if he pried she'd bring up less savory moments of his demonic episode and guilt trip him. He was already wrestling with that.

Nefret and Chroias exchanged looks as the food was finally served and just rolled their eyes and giggled. Chroias had an idea what was going on with the little minion of the house. She was in a good mood, the kind of mood Chroias thoroughly planned on being in tomorrow morning.

"You're looking nice tonight." Chroias commented, a grin growing. "Anything special?"

"Well, we just made it thought the Beast alive, I got a break from the Citadel for a few days.. Why not do something a bit special?" Nefret shrugged it off.

"Uhh huhh." Chroias chuckled. "Well at least we're back to normal now.."

Nefret's eyebrows raised and her lips formed an 'O' "Normal? What is this 'normal' you speak of?"

Chroias huffed and threw a crumb of bread at her. Mozenrath laughed and joined in, little bits of white crumb making their way across the table.



The moon rose in the sky, brining the atmosphere to a blaze of color. Chroias smiled as she turned away from the window and walked into her room.

Nefret lay in her old room, eyes closed but still awake. Funny that she felt so at home in such a place as the Citadel.

*tink*

Nefret creaked her eyes open.. Did she hear something? With a hum she pushed herself from the bed and walked to the window just as another pebble hit the glass pain. With a questioning look she opened the window and leaned out. Below, a few floors down, stood a male form. For a moment Nefret squinted and then let out a deep heave of breath.

"Good evening to you brother." Nefret called down to Apepe.

The man on the ground smiled. "Hey little sister." He grinned and with a sweep of his arm indicated the ground. "Care to take a walk with me?"

Nefret looked out into the desert for a moment before looking down at him. "Can't go very far." She sighed, indicating her anklet.

"Then we'll just walk in small circles." He joked as Nef gave him a that's-not-funny grin.



Slowly Nef tip toed out the front door and gingerly closed it, making sure the latch didn't catch to hard. Turning she took Apepe's hand and they began to talk. Silence for a while, then. "Okay what are you into now?" Nef sighed.

"How do you know I'm into anything?" Apepe sounded put off.

"Cause dear brother, you show up at my window late at night after not even sending me a letter for months.." Nefret broke off and left the air uncomfortable.

Apepe grimaced and looked down at the ground. "I do the best I can sister." He grumbled. Then his mood lifted again, as it always did, and he strutted proud and held his head high. "Ah dear Nefret, you've once again hit me with your blunt truth. I've come to you with a problem." He spoke over dramatically, forcing Nef to chuckle.

"Of course." She hummed as they left the abandoned town and walked the desert. Soon the barriers of the kingdom would come up, the bars of her cage. It was late.. Or early depending on how you looked at it. The sun would rise in an hour or so. Yet they walked, round the outskirts as they talked. Till, upon a slight crumbling hill they found, they watched the sun come up. Both a bit somber, yet with a hint of a smile on their faces.

And the sun rose over the land, lighting the sibling's faces with warm rays. Everything to be said had been said and none of it resolved. Walking the hour and a half back to the Citadel and explaining her absence was the least of Nefret's concerns right now. And rightfully so.

Chapter 301 (by Chroias)

Nefret paced back and forth down the halls. Of course Apepe couldn't have gone to anyone else with this little problem...ohhhh nonono! He had to come to HER with it. As if the problems in her life weren't big enough already, now she had this to deal with. Now let it be known that Nefret loved her half brother dearly, and would have done anything in the world for him. But at this particular moment she could have wrung his scrawny neck!

The Citadel doors swung open just as she reached them, and Mozenrath came walking out, a sour look on his face. "Where have you been?" he started and shook his hand as Nefret opened her mouth to explain. "Never mind, your here now and that's the important part." he took her hand and began leading her through the halls of the Citadel.

Nefret hummed to herself as they neared the lab. If it wasn't one thing then it was another with him. She grabbed hold of the side of the lab door and jolted Moze to a stop.

"For the love of Hathor Moze what is it?" she snapped.

Mozenrath turned and looked at her. "You wanna know what it is?" He held up a finger and gently pushed open the door to the lab with it. Nefret poked her head in and gasped .There sat Tris, a small smile on her face, sitting in a armchair, with her hands crossed in her slightly plumpened belly.

"Hey Auntie Nef." She smiled and waved.

Nefret smacked her head. Apepe had said he's told Tris to stay in an Agrabah hotel, but like usual, the headstrong girl had taken matters into her own hands. Nefret felt a gloved hand land on her shoulder. "I know your brother had something to do with my daughters current condition."

Nefret searched for an explanation. After all, this didn't look good. Tris was here, pregnant, and Apepe was no where to be seen. Defiantly didn't look good. Nef twiddled her thumbs as Mozenrath growled in her face. "Well, Apepe is somewhere around here..."she hesitated. "My guess is he sent Tris here ahead of him, knowing that if he showed up first you'd likely remove his head..."

Tris sighed and stood up, she staggered slightly and immediately Mozenrath was holding her arms. "Daddy I'm fine..." she smiled at him. "Nef is right. Apepe is here...and STILL with me." she glared at her father. "He's in Agrabah right now."

"Oh really?" Nefret could already see bloodshed in Mozenrath's mind. She could just see him storming into Agrabah, and suddenly her brothers head would be on a pike.

Tris nodded her head. "Yes, and I'm not going to tell you where either..."she stamped her foot firmly on the ground and the windows and mirrors cracked. "Don't do it daddy." she said firmly. "I know what your thinking, and I won't let you. Apepe loves me...I know it."

Mozenrath took a deep breath, trying to keep his temper reigned in. "Tristram..." he started. "Listen to me. I know you've had....interludes of an intimate nature with this boy..." he could SEE Apepe head floating in a jar.

"Oh yeah Moze, the belly is kind of a dead giveaway!" Nefret chuckled and snapped her mouth closed as Moze shot her a withering glare.

Mozenrath tried to calm down. His whole mind swam with horrific images all of which seemed to involve Apepe's head or other random body parts being set on display. he was at a loss. "Wait till your mother hears about this...!" he stormed off down the halls, fuming.

* * *

Nefret waited till the sound of Moze's footsteps echoed out of ranger. Next thing she knew her's and Tris's arms were wrapped around each other, hugging for all they were worth. "I'm gonna be an Aunt!" she squealed and squeezed Tris.

Tristram hugged her godmother. "Ohhh. I was soooo nervous coming here." she sighed and settled down in a chair. "I mean, Apepe told me to wait in the hotel while he talked to you, but I was so scared! I was sure that if Daddy heard it from you first he'd fry both of you!"

Nefret giggled and put her hand to the baby. "Ohhh. Another member of the Mozenrath family line." she closed her eyes for a moment till Tris poked her shoulder.

"Perhaps you've forgotten. She'll be Anuxamoon to."

Nefret turned around to see Chroias standing in the doorway, arms crossed. Her statement hard to read. There was obvious elation for her offspring, but yet, the sad fact that her child was unmarried.

Chapter 302 (by Nefret)

Nefret smiled simply and greeted the demon. She moved away as she came forward to embrace her daughter. The sentimental moment between mother and daughter lasted a few silent moments, then they broke away from each other. Trist looked down and rubbed her belly. "Yeah. She'll be a Mozenrath and an Anuxanamoon.. Gods help her." She smiled and laughed a bit at that.

"Blood is finally mixing." Chroias sighed and shook her head, a funny sort of tone about her.

"We'll be one big happy family!" Nefret threw up her hands and stretched. The air of her words decidedly sarcastic.

A sputtering noise came from the door. Everyone turned to Mozenrath suddenly standing in the doorway. "One...one big HAPPY family?" he managed to spit out before the stem came out of his ears. "I think NOT!" He turned to Chroias. "How can you take it so lightly?!"

Chroias's face fell dark and stern. "I'm not, in the least. But honestly.. what can be done?" She pointed to the belly. "Nothing! That's what. So alls we can do is.." She shrugged, not knowing how to say it. "Make the best of it." She walked and took Mozenrath's side, literally and maybe figuratively. "But there are some serious matters to talk about young lady."

Trist winced at the tone and looked up. "Like."

Mozenrath heaved himself into a chair along with Chroias and motioned for Trist to sit also, with the other hand ordered Nefret out the door.

The Egyptian's arms tightened at her sides. "This has something to do with me to ya know!"

Mozenrath growled but relented, pointing to a patch of floor at his side. Nefret crossed her arms with a huff but fell Indian style onto the appointed place.

"One!" Suddenly the sorcerer bust out, holding up one finger to indicate the first point of his argument, vain though it may be. "Your way to young!!!" Trist sputtered slightly in her defense but Moze would have none of it and cut her off. "Two!! Your not married!"

This time Trist jumped and got her voice in before he could continue. "You and moma weren't married when Zak and I were born!" She stomped a foot and looked pouty.

Chroias shook her head. "That isn't the point, Tristram. We wanted you to do it the proper way."

A voice rose from near the floor, low and under her breath. "Oh, it's the old 'do as we say not as we do' principal." Nefret was immediately whapped over the head by a gloved hand.

Mozenrath suppressed all the horrid things he wanted to do and say at that moment and broke out again with a third finger. "Three, Apepe isn't good enough for MY daughter!"

This time both Tristram and Nefret came to the defense with things like. "Apepe loves me." "He does the best he can!" "Don't talk about my brother that way!" "He's a damn fine human being." "I'll have you know he's from a good line!"

The girl's voices merged into one big clatter and Moze put a stop to it with a roaring rendition of his own. "He's a peasant, an illegitimate child, poor as dirt, the son of a whore, cocky as hell, and just not. GOOD ENOUGH!" Mozenrath yelled, causing the girls to close their mouths immediately. Chroias placed a hand on her lovers shoulder and pulled him back into a seated position. Moze huffed and puffed, tying to get out his last point. In a deep breathy voice, "four, he's the blood of the help." He pointed suddenly to Nefret. "I will not have my line mixing with that of my slave!"

Trist's lips pulled slightly into a pout as she rubbed her belly. "It's a moot point, it's already to late." And there simply wasn't counter argument to that.

*******

Chroias sighed as she rubbed her arms to warm them against the cold night air. "Mozenrath really, why don't we just wait.." She was cut off by a deadly look from him. He turned back around and huffed. Both now sat in a dark outside corner of the citadel, hidden by the shadows caused by the inlet, looking up at Nefret's window.

"He'll be here, I bet you 100 denary he will. He'll try to gain entrance to my manor AND my daughter thought my little minion. Sniveling cowered." He growled. "And when he comes knocking on his sisters window I'll get him." He laughed lowly. "Oh I'll get him."

And with that Nefret's figure came to the window, stopping momentarily to look out as a dark shadowy male figure crept over the dunes and headed in the direction of her window. Nef smiled as sighing smile and opened the glass, waiting to for him.

Chapter 303 (by Chroias)

Mozenrath paced back a forth in front of the window. His mind raced with possibilities. Of course the first one was evisceration. The rest followed in suit. But that wasn't what really plagued his mind. It was the baby.

Mozenrath walked over to the small mirror beside the bed and look at himself. He was nearly 25 now. His face still shone youth. His skin was still smooth and unwrinkled. Quickly he took off his turban and searched his head for any signs of grey. None whatsoever. "I am simply too young for this...!"

Chroias giggled as she walked from the shower room. "Feeling a little too old m'love?"

Mozenrath scowled at her angrily. "I'm what now...nearly 25? I have children...and now my children are having children!" he scoffed as he looked at Chroias. "I wasn't planning on grandchildren till I had gray hair and wrinkles."

"And had grown senile and frail?" Chroias laughed and threw her pale arms around her lover. "Why on Earth would you want that?"

Mozenrath stopped his smile and kept a dead pan face. "It's not that! I wanted....I wanted...."

Chroias sighed and tossed off her towel. "You wanted to rule the Seven Deserts and then the world. Live forever, and have a thousand harem girls."

"Something like that yes." Mozenrath watched as Chroias dressed. "I just...never planned on things turning out like this..."

"A woman who loves you. A sister, two wonderful children, soon to be a grandfather." she kissed his cheek. "Mozenrath you have what some men strive their whole lives to get...and never succeed" she touched his chest. "Please...can't you just accept that? Live your life to the fullest and love it?"

Mozenrath sighed and looked into her beautiful eyes, glowing a soft gold against the moon light. Why was he always like this? What was so horrid about his life?

Something inside him answered. It was only too easy to figure out. His hand, his loveless childhood....his torments by his mentor. Yes, he had part of a life most men dream of...but at what cost?

Chroias noticed the far-away look in her lovers eyes and settled into his lap, prepared to warm his heart with her touch. She of all people knew what the path of life can bring on a person. The pain, trial and tribulations...all of it. And yet, he'd persevered. She pushed her hand behind Mozenrath's head and brought her lips to his. "Not tonight...." she whispered softly. "Not tonight...."

* * *

Nefret waited till the soft sounds of Chroias's whispered voice came from the bedroom as she snuck from her chambers. She' owed Roi for this, she really did.

Apepe was waiting just outside the Citadel, past the mamlucks, who had been ordered to watch for him. He waved from behind a building as Nefret joined him. "Damn it I told her to stay back in Agrabah!" he growled and huffed.

Nefret chuckled and then turned serious. "Apepe....there's something I need to know...." her brother turned to look at her. "Are you serious....about Tris I mean."

Apepe's face turned sour. "Of course I'm seriouse! You think I would risk my neck in coming here if I wasn't?" he started shouting and Nefret slapped a hand over his mouth to silence him.

"Will you shut up!" She growled and look him in the eyes. "Mozenrath doesn't think your good enough for his daughter." she started, trying to explain the situation.

Apepe smiled. "The damn sorcerer has a father complex." he started to laugh. "He has a father complex!"

Nefret giggled. It was funny to think of big, powerful, Mr.I'm-Going-To- Rule-The-Seven-Deserts getting paranoid about his child. "yes he does."

Apepe shrugged. "I can deal with an angry father. I can't deal with an angry father who happens to be a sorcerer..."

Nefret shrugged and sighed. "We'll figure out something...Apepe." she started to turn away and suddenly jerked around. "Apepe....are you going to marry her?"

Apepe smiled. "Now why would I want to do a silly thing like that? Kidding Kidding!!!!" he yelped as Nefret whapped him over the head with her fist.

* * *

Tris sat in her old room. Rubbing her belly and thinking to herself silently. She tought silently of her brother, and what his reaction would be to all of this. Would he react like her father, or be a good Uncle and support her in it all. Sighing to herself, she focused her mind and began to contact Zakurum.

Chapter 304 (by Nefret)

"Hello oh brother of mine." It started, nonchalant.

***

Mozenrath growled as he watched from the window, the grate of the screen leaving moonlit and shadow diamond patterns across his still bare skin. On the black sand below 3 figures were approaching each other, one lurking in the shadows, the other two slipping across the sands like thieves in the night. The silhouettes left no doubt as to whom they were. The one with a rounded stomach greeted the other with an embrace and kiss as the last one looked around before pushing them into the inlet of buildings not to be seen by the spectators.

Mozenrath growled again, deep in his throat and grabbed for his robe. "Why those little rats!" He cursed. Probably not meaning to include Trist in the curse.

Chroias laughed, getting up from bed. "Leave the children alone. I don't anything to wicked will go on tonight. If I know mortal men they are absolutely terrified to touch a pregnant woman." She laughed as Moze tightened the belt of his robe with a quick jerk. "Besides, you go out in the breezy night with only THAT on and you'll give them all a little shock." She held back the smile on her lips.

Moze snickered, envisioning it, then gave a throaty chuckle. With a sigh he relented. "Alright." He turned to her, hands on hips. "But you had better give me a good reason to stay."

Chroias smiled. "Of course."

****

Apepe scratched his head. "So what did he say."

"Zak?...not much. he was kinda shocked. kinda not. He did laugh and make some reference to impending massacre. but he's coming soon, to see if he can't help smooth things out." Trist's mouth pulled to the side as she lovingly traced the lines on his palm.

Nefret eyed them, leaning against the outside wall. She'd not known much of her brother, but enough to know he wasn't the best example of the male sex. Not to say he was horrid. Oh no, he just came with a few flaws that haunted the male species: Over confident, brash, tactless, and evasive with feelings. Though she had to admit there was something kinder in his eyes when he was with Tristram, maybe..

Apepe caught her look and smiled, pulling her aside gently. Slowly he leaned into her ear to whisper a secret. "I have something to show you." He looked around, making sure Trist wasn't listening. "Something I've been working on in Agrabah.. I want your opinion."

Nefret patted his arm. "I would if I could Pepy." She said back, not in a whisper. Her face turned a bit downward. "But I can't leave this place."

Trist piped right up, having heard the last bit of the conversation. She knew Apepe was keeping a secret, but if he was telling Nefret then it must not be of a bad nature. "No longer a problem Aunty!" she pointed to the anklet. "I can take it off!"

Both of them stared blankly at her for a moment. Nefret smiled slightly, playing the role of the elder though Trist was mentally at her own level. "No Trist, only Mozenrath can take off the anklet."

The girl shook her head with a fever. "No no, Zak found out the scrap of paper with the combination on it when Moze and barricaded him in the lab for so long." She laughed. "It was under the desk, beneath the floor boards, and in 4 boxes!! I can contact him right now and ask him what it was! But it will still have to be a secret to you Aunty. No peeking!"

Apepe brightened. "Alright then! Nefret will come with me to Agrabah. Trist you'll have to say here." He frowned when she pouted. "I know I know. But I need you to make an excuse for Nefret in the morning as to why she's not around. Tell them. she's sick in bed." He breezed. "We'll be back before dinner tomorrow."

Trist kicked at the sand and nodded. "Alright." And with that she closed her eyes to get the combination from Zak.

***

Apepe swept his sister down a dark street of Agrabah. The Egyptian girl could tell he was excited and apprehensive at the same time. He stopped outside a mud brick house, not a lavish building but well enough for the less well off part of town. Apepe took a set of keys from his kilt fumblingly.

"Now. now I know what your going to say.. But I've been working hard on it.. to make the most of what I could get. it's not the greatest.. I know.. Not something..." He stopped and turned quickly to unlock and swing open the door, leaning back for her to enter. "It's the best I could do."

Nefret stepped in and Apepe lit the lamps. Smooth creamy plaster walls came to light slightly pock marked, and a padded dirt floor. It was humble, and made of poor material, but clean as a whistle and the beginnings of furniture where placed carefully around. Nefret's expression was hard to read. Apepe knew she had lived in only manor houses; they're own father's estate, the temple, and the Citadel.

He had never been so lucky and this humble hut was, to him, something of his pride and joy. If only she could see what he saw. "See here." He suddenly darted the parlor part of the common room, cut off by wooden screens. "I got this big lounger from one of my employers!" He sat down heavily on a red couch of what had once been a rich tapestry fabric, and still was save for a few worn spots. "And these rugs on sale in the marketplace!!" He jumped up excitedly and nearly sprinted to the back room, dragging Nefret with him. "This bed from my mother. And the bathtub.. well I found that. And the curtains and little decorations I've been collecting over the years!" He pointed and darted here and there in an excited and proud frenzy. Nefret just stood there, mouth slightly agape as she took in all in. He suddenly came to a cradle, next to the bed. "And this cradle." He chuckled nervously. "Well I kinda. stole it from our Uncle, I think it might have been yours as a baby.. It's lawfully yours anyways, not his." He scooted it to her a bit. "You can take it if you want."

Nefret bit her lip and shook her head no, half telling him to keep it and half overwhelmed with emotion. Apepe gulped, stopping his feverish tour of the house to shuffle his feet. "I know it isn't much... I've been taking every delivery job and working as hard as I can." Nefret let out a cry and jumped him, wrapping her arms around his neck and feet off the ground.

"It's the most beautiful HONEST house I've seen." She said into his ear. Apepe sighed in relief of her acceptance and swung her around a bit before setting her down.

"It just needs a woman's touch." He elbowed her, hintingly. "The yard is still a mass of broken pots and weeds and I have money to spend in the market place tomorrow."

Nefret rolled up the sleeves of her coat. "Lets get to work then, we'll pull an all nighter then go shopping in the morning!"

Chapter 305 (by Chroias)

Nefret flopped down on the old silk couch. It had taken all damn night, but the place was beautiful. Every inch was spotless, patches and frayed edges had been sewn over and done with a woman's care. The windows were cleaned and the bright light of dawn had just begun to cross over Apepe's tired face. His bright ebony eyes were closed with dark circles underneath them. His spiky hair was matted with sweat, and his clothing needed washing. But a small, pleased smile was plastered on his handsome face.

Nefret giggeled. Perhaps his reputation spoke out against him, but her father spoke in him. He was, true to Mozenrath's words, the son of a whore. But he was also the son of her father. She had little doubt that he would work as hard as he could to keep Tris and the baby happy and well fed. It wouldn't be the easy life, but it would be an interesting one. Besides, Nefret had no doubt that their would be the occasion inadvertent claw entered when times got rough.

As she saw the merchants setting up their stall, Nefret quietly snuck from the house to purchase a few things here and there. She sighed and kissed her brother good morning. "Good luck big brother."

* * *

Chroias walked up to Nefret's bedroom and knocked twice on the door. "Neffie baby! Time to wake!" she knocked once again. 'Of course.' Chroias sighed, trying to figure out how she was going to explain this one to Moze. She started to tap the door open.

"Mom!" Tris suddenly appeared by the door, slamming it shut. "What a lovely day! Isn't it just a great day mommy?" Tris smiled, her fangs gleaming in the moonlight.

Chroias back away from her daughter. "Either your hormones are raging or your trying to hide the fact that Nefret snuck out last night."

Tris's dark red eyes got wide. "You knew?"

Chroias laughed. "Of course I knew! I made sure your father was occupied while she did..."

"Mom!" Tris's cheeks blushed. She knew perfectly well what her parents relationship was, she just didn't need to hear it out loud.

Chroias watched her child's stomach. "I'm very proud of you Tris." she spoke softly.

She blushed brighter. "For what?"

"For making a good decision the first time." She kissed Tristram's cheek. "Not all women have the good luck to find a man who will keep his responsibilities in mind after the deed has been done." She smiled warmly, hugging her daughter. "You two WILL be married...and don't give me that look young lady." she warned as Tris' face began to resemble her fathers when he was displeased. "I may rage with him but I agree on this point. An official ceremony will take place before the child is born. Also your grandparents will have to be notified..."

* * *

Mozenrath grumbled as he talked to Chroias about the whole thing. "I will not have her interfering in this!" he shouted and glared. "Chroias I have let you have your way in this matter for to long! Now my servant is missing, my daughter's lover is vanished and NOW...!" he fumed. "Now you want me to tell my mother the whole embarrassing thing!!" he grimaced at her

Chroias tapped her foot. Why he was choosing to set his foot down on this she'd never know. "Mozenrath you don't have to tell her yet! Tris has agreed to marry Apepe as soon as he gets back and then...."

"Back! Back! No there is no back! That little wretch will NOT be coming back to anything!"

Chroias could feel her anger growing. Her eyes glowed as she felt her horns grown...but just as suddenly, the oncoming Armageddon stopped. "Very well my love." she said and promptly spun on her heel.

Mozenrath groaned. "Now don't be like this Roi..."

Chroias looked around innocently. "Like what...?"

"You make it so damn difficult sometimes!" He complained.

Chroias smiled gently. "I know I do....but I love you...that makes up for it."

"At the risk of sounding exactly like your father...does he love her?" Mozenrath watched Chroias face for reaction. "I can live with being disobeyed...but if he breaks her heart...."

Chroias shrugged. "Maybe you should ask Nefret. This is her brother...not mine. Or better yet..."she grinned "Maybe it's time you got to know your soon-to-be son in law."

* * *

"Hey hey ladies and gentleman!" The loud and brawny call rang through the halls of the Citadel like a trumpet announcing a king. "Zakuram has returned!!"

Mepho meowled as he heard the noise and slashed at the intruder.

"Ouch! Hey! Hell-of-a-nice welcome home!" He picked up the kitten. "Now who might you be o' small clawed thing?"

"That o' son of mine would be your mothers pet!" Mozenrath scooped up the kitten. "Where's Domdi?" Not that he really cared, but what the Hell. It'd be nice to know someone's life was going alright.

"Dad! Way to hit on a nasty subject." Zak frowned. "We decided the pressure between Eden and myself was a little to much, we are no longer an item." he sighed, genuinely displeased. "But, in the grand tradition of ego maniacal males, nothing could keep me down for long." A brilliant smile crossed Zak's face as he embraced his father.

Chapter 306 (by Nefret)

Nefret cracked open the hut door with her foot and backed into it, loaded down with packages.

"What did you get me?" He questioned in a childish tone.

"Oh real exciting stuff! Towels and pots and pans." Nefret laughed and patted his cheek as she unpacked her purchases.

Apepe, hands on hips and chest puffed up, observed his domain. "This place is really shaping up! I bet the king of upper and lower Egypt doesn't even live this good!" Nefret jabbed him, but looked around in satisfaction to.

The now clean and better furbished house glowed under the orangey sun of early evening. Nefret flinched and rubbed her bare right ankle, savoring the feel of the skin free of that heavy metal. "We need to be home before dinner."

Apepe let out a breath. Truth be told both of them would much rather not go right now. "I suppose we both have responsibilities there huh?"

Breaking the mood Nefret jumped on his back and pointed to the door. "To the Citadel!" She commanded and jabbed his ribs with her heels like an old general ordering himself onto the battleground.

Apepe grunted and plodded to the door. "Alright, but we're renting horses. I'm not carrying your rump through the desert!" And the voices faded as the door closed on the little shack, the sun playing off the poor honestness, promising a home to a happy family. You could almost see the ghost of the future as they romped though the living room and laughed at the dinner table. Things soon to come.

***

The air of dinner was slightly strained, the sounds of chairs scooting in as the dinners took their seats and the sounds of mumluks as they prepared to serve. Trist sorta feel into her chair and happily allowed Zak to scoot it in for her. Mozenrath fell into his chair with a displeased grunt to, but for an entirely different reason. Chroias sat at the side of the head of the table and smoothed her palm over the back of his hand.

Absences at the table. hum, yes. a few could be explained and were already known but an other.. "Where's Domdi?" Trist broke the silence and was promptly kicked under the table by an unidentified foot as Zak flinched. Trist made a face and let her voice fall quiet. "Oh."

Zak suddenly grinned. "I notice your missing someone to." He breezed.

Trist's mouth flexed a bit, like she was thinking of what to say. "He's. He's."

"Not missing!" Called out a spry voice, bursting into the room suddenly. Nefret bounded into the room carrying dinner trays as if she had been there all the time, slaving away in the kitchen. The sharp clink of silver rang out as the trays were set down in front of the master and lady of the house. Trist's belly was patted and Zak's head ruffled as their dinner was set before them by the live servant of the house. Rarely did Nefret work such domestic duties, only when she was earning herself some leeway. "Welcome home dear nephew." Nefret breezed on before he had a chance to greet back. "Apepe will be joining us shortly, he just has wash up!"

Mozenrath recovered from her sudden reappearance. "Save it minion, we'll talk about you little adventure out later." He growled at her ankletless ankle before she plunked down in her own chair, shoving her right leg under her to hide the absence of her shackle. The last bit of her speech finally caught up with him. "And hell no will that BOY be sitting at MY dinner table! He may be a future member of this family but quite an unwelcome one!!' Mozenrath brought his fist down on his dinner table, the one defining fixture of his family. The dinner table was quite a sacred thing, it's members included in an alliet society, the family. Thick as thieves were it's members, and to have a trespasser slip in was an invasion on a very hallowed thing. "He will not steal his way into a chair around my table." Mozenrath hissed.

Chroias scowled. "Now who's making things difficult?" She hissed. "Let him in this table or I wont let you in my." she paused to spare a glance at the children, half dreading the words to come half amused. Chroias gave him a look that foretold what the next words would be and sat back.

Mozenrath growled lowly. "Must you always play that card?" but the answer was obvious, she played that card cause it worked. Well maybe not this time. "No." Mozenrath said simply, to the surprise of everyone there. Turning to his meal he motioned for the mumluks to close the dinning room doors.

Everyone, Chroias more than anyone, hesitated but picked up fork and spoon and began to eat.

***

Chroias slammed the door to her room, Turing to Mozenrath with such a force it sent a wind around the room.

Mozenrath breezed her off. "Hold your anger woman." He sighed and washed his face and combed his hair, only adding to his air of primped and proud Lord. "I think it time I took the reigns of my kingdom firmly back in my own hands. I ruled here long before any bothersome females set foot in my life, and I will do so again at my own accord as I am entitled and must do." He spoke royally then, and with his infamous I'm-so-great sneer. "I let my guard down and my entire domain and subjects have gone astray! I've got my children running around and getting into all kinds of trouble, my slave has managed slipped her collar and run, vagrants from the streets are stealing into my family left and right, and my queen has taken it upon herself to bully me like a mother!" He thrashed his arm around angrily. "Now it's the time for me to step up and make it right, and if that means being strong and even cold blooded so be it!" He brought a fist down on a nearby table. "I will have rule and order!" Yes, he knew there was something soft in him now, a soft feeling afforded to several people, and he knew they wanted to reveal that soft spot and live in it's light, maybe he wanted that somewhat to. But he had let that feeling out a few time, few and far between as they may have been, and just look at the result! He didn't know what else to do than put up his strong front again and pull things into order with an iron fist. He only hoped his fist was strong enough to resist the pull of that tender spot in his accursed heart.

Chroias stood there, blood boiling and demon tendices prickling at her as her lover regarded, not so much her, but his territory, chest puffed and nose trust in the air. Oh the things she wanted to do. But instead, "yes of king. And what do you intend to do." She was dripping with sarcasm but it went unacknowledged.

"Set rules!" Mozenrath declared. "One! Zak will begin a new course in magic! Two, Trist shall not see that boy unless she is chaperoned until the wedding day. Three, Apepe will sleep on the floor in Nefret's room and BOTH will be patrolled at night by a guard outside the room. Four, Nefret's chours will be doubled for her little escape trick AND the combination on the anklet changed! And you will take up your proper duties to me." Mozenrath ended with a guster of kingship and a snort. Chroias flexed her fists, ready to punch him out. "And we will gather tonight to proclaim these declarations to everyone. First however I believe I'll go have that talk with Apepe and make a few things clear to him alone first." And with that he strutted out the door.

Chapter 307 (by Chroias)

There are several pleasant sights to see at he foot of your bed when you wake up in the middle of the night. An angry father is not one of them.

Apepe felt his heart thud all the way down to his stomach as Mozenrath made eye connection with him. Mozenrath was barely any older then he was, maybe a year...two tops, but there was something distinctly more...commanding about him. Or maybe just more rageful. He'd never really bothered to take a good solid look at his future father-in-law before today, but with him sitting at the foot of Nefret's bed, towering over him...Not much of a choice presented itself.

Likewise, Mozenrath hadn't taken the opportunity to look at Apepe much either. He hated to admit it, but the boy WAS rather good looking. Almond shaped black eyes. Strong, and rather gentle looking face. He was altogether rakish looking. Maybe a bit to Aladdinish. But then again ,he wasn't here to judge the good looks of his daughters future husband.

"Rule One..." he started. "You will not exit this room unless accompanied by four or more mamlucks. Rules Two, You will not see Tristram unless I am with you. Rule Three, you will show me the place you intend to live with my daughter AND how you intend to provide for her."

Apepe felt his cheeks turn red with anger. "You know it's just a little late for all this isn't it?" he allowed his voice to drip with sarcasm. "I mean after all the deed has already been done..."

Mozenrath closed his hand very slowly around Apepe throat. "The only reason you are alive you son of a whore is thanks to the fact that my daughter has your seed inside her. I will not permit her to go through life alone with a child."

For al the world. Apepe didn't even blink. "Is that all? Or maybe you just know somewhere inside your twisted little heart that she's in love with me. Maybe you just won't take that away from her?" He challenged.

Mozenrath felt his heart twitch inside his chest. In truth, yes. That was half the reason he'd come in here. He wanted to see if Apepe was as loyal to Tris as he could have asked, or if he'd turn tail and run at the first sign of trouble. After all, for a man with the enemies Mozenrath had, he couldn't afford to leave his child under the protection of just anybody.

He tossed Apepe away from him, a little shaken by the youth insight. Mozenrath stood with all the dignity possible and brushed past Nefret as the doors opened. Your chores are doubled for that little stunt." he said in passing as Nefret's jaw went slack.

"You know sis..."Apepe said with a hand around his neck and the sweet crack of a smile on his lips. "I do believe he's starting to like me."

* * *

Tris sat talking with Zak. It was like back when they were children, able to communicate more through the mind then with the mouth. It was a wonderful was to speak. Sending not only your words, but your implications, pictures, and thoughts as well. Even when Zak laughed he sent a thousand or so images through Tris's mind, letting her see the situation to it's fullest extent.

'We weren't mad or angry with one another.' Zak began, explaining the Domdi situation. 'We'd just realized that with the current standings between Agrabah and our home ,the relationship would be to difficult .She's a good woman, and I hope she finds someone better for her'

Tris nodded and patted her belly. The baby was still growing steadily inside her, a female. She didn't need modern day machinery to tell her, she only needed her own natural abilitys. The child was growing beautifully, and her magical abilities were sending shiver through Tris's skin. She could hardly wait.

Mozenrath opened the doors wide. "Zakurum!" He bellowed.

Zak pun around, trying to figure out what he'd done wrong. 'It can't have been the baby dragon in aunties bed, she hasn't screamed yet...' He thought as his father strode over.

"It is once again time to test your magical abilities." he took his son firmly by the arm and began leading him away.

"And just where do you think your taking him?" Tris suddenly spoke up with a stronger voice.

Mozenrath jerked around to look at his child. "To practice dear. He needs it."

"Oh? And where is your time to teach me father?" she huffed slightly, her eyes glowing ever so gently. "When is it time to teach your other child how to do magic? When is it my turn to learn? When do I get to see the secrets you teach him?" It was an amazing sigh, seeing the young demoness angry. She was as beautiful as her mother. Hair spiking and fluttering as if tossed by an unseen breeze. Eyes burning red like turned embers, fangs growing in her mouth.

Mozenrath heard the cracking of vases and the sharp twisting of metal as the flow of Tris's telikenatic powers caressed the room. "Tris..." he said calmly, unafraid of his Childs hormones. "Zakurum is ready for such things. You have a unique ability all on your own. Something that develops naturally without having to be trained. You should be proud of yourself..."

"And are you proud of me daddy?" she said as her eyes took on the smooth rusty color again. "Are you proud of me?"

* * *

Nefret growled and tried to adjust the new anklet. It was a little heavier this one. Solid gold and encrusted with rubies and snakes. The combination on it was changed to, and even as it bit into her ankle she couldn't make it turn comfortably.

"Here..."Roi walked over and slide a piece of cloth under the ankle and bound her heel. "It's keep it from sharpening against your skin."

"Thanks Roi...you know I don't understand what's gotten into him lately!" Nefret growled and picked up her broom again. "I mean your man's likely to drive the whole household crazy with this sudden testosterone overdrive."

Chroias laughed and picked up a broom, helping her friend with the halls. "I suppose part of it is just him being overprotective." she growled again. "Wait till I told you what kind of outlandish bull cocky he ordered of me last night..." she started to tell Nefret just as Mozenrath turned the corner.

"Chroias." Mozenrath caught her by the shoulder. "Why aren't you dressed properly?" he looked down at her short black skirt and dark emerald tube- top. "I believe one of my new rules was that you take your proper station as my mistress..."

If death could be said to have a sound, Chroias made it. "You want proper...?" she hissed vilely and changed. Her beautiful demonic features had vanished completely. Now a sweet looking young redhead stood before him. Her eyes a soft blue and her face touched just barely by puberty. Her body was absolutely an object of lust, ever curve and cup in the right place, and it was really easy to tell, since she's changed without clothing.

Nefret giggled mildly and covered her eyes.

"I think a man your age would have a harem girl right about like this..."Chroias twirled, nude, in front of him. She pursed her lips and spoken a sickeningly sweet adolescent tone. "M'lord...what is your will of me."

The shocked look on Mozenrath's face was something to see. The girl Chroias portrayed couldn't be any older then 14...if that. "This...this is not what I meant at all..."he started.

"Oh?" The child twirled again. "That would be my offal position if were doing things all set out and proper." Chroias cocked an eyebrow. " Your harem girl. Is that what you want from me Mozenrath? Is all you want from me gathered in this form?" she walked closer to him. "Cause if this is all you've ever expected from our relationship..." she paused and looked him in the eye as she changed back into herself. "Then you can have it."

Nefret watched as Chroias left, cloathed now. "You deserve it." she said, risking the sorcerers bad temper.

Mozenrath sneered at her, but nothing more.

* * *

Chroias looked around as Mozenrath came into the bedroom later that night. He looked over at her and smiled.

Chroias cocked an eyebrow. Surely he wasn't stupid enough to think he'd get anything after what he'd done. Mozenrath slide smoothly into bed beside her and wrapped his arms around her body. Chroias scoffed and shifted slightly.

Mozenrath felt his chest rise. "Now surely you can't be that mad at me?"

Chroias looked over at him, blinked, and tossed a bottle of lotion onto his chest. "Have fun." she said and turned back over to go to sleep.

Chapter 307 (by Nefret)

The sun rose again, as it did everyday despite the ever-present clouds that veiled it. Both twins slowly turned and cracked open their eyes, then flung them open. It should have been no surprise, given the day. but somehow. in all the fuss and confusion they had forgotten what date it was. The 24th day of July. The day of their mutual birth. Each of their room was covered in various gifts, flowers and cards of good luck. Trist found among her things both wedding implements and baby things. Zak.. well he found a nice little caged baby dragon at the foot of his bed with a card reading "very funny."

Both smiled, dressed in the new robes given to them and felt themselves fine as kings on their day.

***

Nefret swayed back and forth as she set up the table for a big breakfast. Despite the sudden vengeful turn of her master, the thick as fog tension in the air, and the pain in her ankle that caused her a slight limp she loved a party. or maybe it was just the food.

In though the doors came a group of mumlucks, spear in hand and backs hunched. Between them they formed something like a cube, funny way for mumlucks to patrol but who can figure them out? Nefret shrugged and swiped a finger over the frosting of the cake, sneaking a taste long before it would be cut.

"I saw that." Came a male voice. Nefret jumped and looked around. "In here sister!" issued from between the mumlucks came a hand, raised in the air and bounding up and down as it's possessor jumped to be seen over the crowed of mumlucks that had boxed him in.

"Oh for the sake of Hathor and Horus." Nefret huffed and shooed the undead watchmen away with a few half violent shoves. They allowed the boy to be seen, but stayed close enough that if he were to make a sudden move he'd meet the bad end of a spear.

Apepe stepped forward, as did the mumluks. The boy rolled his eyes and gave up the idea of having elbowroom. "Really, sneaking in cake! What would father say about your appetite?" He poked her belly in the fashion of the Pillsbury doughboy.

Nef pouted and walked away, suppressing her limp. "And what would he say about you repeating his mistake?" Nefret spat back and immediately regreted it. She knew the fact that Apepe was illigeitament ate away at him and to throw it back at him was a crime worthy of death for a sister.

Apepe's face hardened. "I'll never refer to it as a mistake." He growled. Nefret turned to him. She looked down and to the side, mouth pulled taught. "It's alright. I know." He sighed and patted her back.

"Hands off!!" Mozenrath yelled as he came in just to see Apepe touch a female a female figure. Images of him and Trist had immediately flooded his mind and brought him to near panic. The Egyptian boy turned to him, bringing the female into view.. Nefret. not Trist.. Nefret. Mozenrath cleared his throat and pressed back that silly panic. "Oh. it's you." He brushed back his hair and as well brushed off his foolish outburst. Head held high he inspected the table. Suddenly he snapped his fingers twice and pointed to and empty spot between the roasted ham and the orange duck. "You missed a spot." He breezed and waved Nefret to rearrange the trays.

The girl's fists clenched and her back tightened as he lip trembled but she started to shove the plates around, making more noise than necessary.

"When will our. er.. guests be arriving?" Mozenrath sneered.

"Diner, tonight." Nefret shot back equally cold. Again, as they had been in the beginning, they were nothing more than master and servant. It was the way it should have been, the way their titles called them to be, but if felt. funny.

Mozenrath grumbled. "Well I suppose we should get this thing done before then." Then turning to the boy, "Well, Apepe, ready to take me to this wonderful house of yours?"

The boy gulped but nodded.

"I'll go to." Nefret piped up. Fearing to leave her brother alone with Moze.

"No you shall NOT!!!" Mozenrath snapped his head to her. "You will stay here and do as I ask!" He slammed his fist into the table.

Just then Zak strolled into the room with all the dignity of a king. Not that he'd just gotten there of course, he's been eavesdropping. "Well hello fair family!" He breezed and dusted off his new robe. "I quiet forgot it was my birthday to be completely honest.. And I forgot it was Trist's as well. That being said I have no gift for her." He grinned charmingly at his father. "But what do men know of buying woman's gifts. I was hoping you'd let me borrow little Neffie to help me in the market place." Zak spared a wink at his aunt. He knew her fear of being to far away from the pair and this was probably the only way she could stay relatively close to them.

Mozenrath thought for a moment, then, with a fatherly smile. "What's mine is yours. Just be back before dinner."

***

"Does there have to be so many people?" Trist whined.

"Well do you expect your grand parents to NOT come?" Chroias laughed as she fixed her daughters dress. "Don't worry. It's only for tonight. and then again for your wedding day."

Trist issued as heavy sigh and Chroias smirked. Family get togethers in the Mozenrath household were always eventful. And boy were the dates piling up on them, the twins birthday, Mozenrath's birthday, and a wedding coming up!

Both girls found the dinning room locked, to bar them from seeing the feast or possibly sneaking in a bite, and the rest of the manor empty save for a few straggling mumluks.

Chroias tapped her foot against the marble. "last minuet errands. those people are never prepared." She sighed and shrugged. "well little missy, what do you say we do what your father wont and work on those powers of yours."

Chapter 308 (by Chroias)

Tris let her body relax as her mother instructed. Starting from her head down and slowly letting her muscle become soothed. Slowly she opened her mind into her mothers and allowed Chroias to connect with her. She began to see a faded image in her mind. Something shiny, with a bright color to it. Round. A ball.? No but close.

Chroias waited patiently as the large globe in front of her began to rise. It turned around slowly three times and then settled back on the floor. Smiling she stood beside her daughter and hugged her. "I'm impressed! That was made from pure lead and you still lifted it!" she squeezed Tristram till her eyes popped. "Oh your fathers going to be so happy." she stopped suddenly as her child's face fell.

"He won't care. Zak's training is all that matters to him." She frowned and as a small tear slipped from her eye the lead globe cracked.

Chroias growled lightly. "You matter to him and me darling, it's just.I don't think he was prepared for this yet. Humans are funny creatures. He was expecting to have children for a few years and it ...I think it hurt him in a small way to see you all grow up so quickly he could barely even hold you any more."

Tris tilted her head to the side and considered. "We're half human aren't we?" she meant Zak and herself. "That means that my child will be 2/3ds human doesn't it?" Chroias nodded. "I hope she'll age slowly. I want time with her."

"It might be a him Gods help us." Chroias kissed Tris's nose. "He loves you Tris. I know Mozenrath will see that soon enough."

Trsitram rubbed her belly and sighed. "I hope so mother."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mozenrath looked around the home that Apepe had made for his child. It was a complete hovel compared to the Citadel, but.not as bad as Aladdin's home. Still, he'd add a little magic once the wedding was finished and make it a home worthy of his child. "It's.decent." He said as Apepe looked hopeful.

"Well coming from you I suppose we should take that as a compliment." Nefret grumbled as she fingered the drapes and opened them to the sunlight. "Both Apepe and I worked very very hard on this." she hinted angrily.

Mozenrath's head snapped around. "If I want your opinion I'll give it to you." He snapped and turned back to Apepe. "You will improve the conditions here." he wasn't asking, it was more of an order. He spun quickly and walked out the door.

Zakurum grabbed Nefret as she headed after him. "I'm gonna kill him! Zakurum I'm gonna kill your father I swear it!" she promised and struggled in his arms.

Now Auntie, if you kill him then your going to have to explain yourself to mommy.this would not be a good time I assure you." He smiled in the impish way and Nefret slowly settled down. "I'll talk to dad, soften him up a little." He told her and headed after his father.

"I don't know, I do believe he's starting to like me."Apepe smiled and winked at his sister. "So buck up sis, at the very least he likes me enough to leave me alive!"

efret smiled a little and took a sip of water from her glass. "You'd better be in love with her bro."

"I am."

Nefret looked her brother in the eyes and tried to guess his inner thoughts. She could see nothing but honesty in his face, so that would have to be good enough.

Chapter 309 (by Nefret)

Mozenrath looked over the balcony into the common room below, held in the shadows so if even someone were to look up they would not see his face peering down. Zak and Trist were chatting over her newly polished powers, something he should probably be doing with her. should be. Apepe sat a few loving steps away playing a board game with Nef, the winner was obvious by the disgruntled look on the Nefret's face. Chroias sorta sat in the middle of it all, half bragging on one twin to the other and half being a spectator the game in progress.

The sorcerer grimaced. What was the date.. It was way beyond the 27th... way beyond. That day had passed by as common as the one before it and the one after. No special dinner, no gifts or even a smile thrown his way.. His birthday had gone unrecognized. Even by his most beloved.

Had they forgotten? Had they really forgotten such a thing, or was this a punishment for putting up his walls again? Didn't they realize he had to? Did they not see this was how it was supposed to be, how is should be, how it must be now? Yes, it had to be this way... fine, it didn't hurt him a bit. Not one damn bit!

Making an odd sort of sniffing sound he turned away and headed back to his study to buckle down and get to rule his kingdom again. Entering the room he shut the door with a heavy thud and pulled back the seat. Throwing back his cape in a heavy swish of fabric he sat down gracefully and with weight, as might a king do and took up his books.

The words on the page seemed to fuzz around the edges and none would stick to him memory. He read the same line 3 times over without thinking. He just couldn't concentrate on anything now. With a huff he laid the book down to stare into space. Sitting there, hands behind his head, eyes cast the ceiling he was alone. Completely alone.. as he had been year and years ago. Only this time he was alone because he chose to be, or condemned himself to be.

**** Nefret locked the door to her room and got on hands and knees, slowly edging a box out from under her bed. The box made a sudden noise and Nefret slammed her fist over the top.

"Quiet rat of hell!" she cursed. "Thought I forgot about you eh?" She laughed lowly and opened the small gate, one little claw pocking out. "Yes, you know what I have." The piece of chicken she brought near the open cage door was snatched out of sight as quick as lightening and the sound of smacking lips and nashing teeth proceeded it.

Nef leaned back on her heels and smiled. It was almost cute. almost. To bad she had to keep the little monster under her bed for so long. She would give it to him if he deserved it, but then again he didn't. so oh well.

****

Zak took in a deep breath and smoothed back his hair, entering the study a second later without knocking. Mozenrath took his eyes down from the ceiling and dropped his arms, trying to look busy.

"Did I never tell you to knock, son? Zak smiled and flopped in a chair, legs hanging over an armrest. "No, don't remember that lesson." He smirked as Mozenrath huffed and shuffled though some papers. "So what did you do today?" He didn't even wait for an answer from his father before continuing, seemingly rambling. "I learned how to play senate. Nefret's no damn good at that game so Apepe taught me. He's a good young man. Prideful yes and a bit on the egotistical side.. But deep down he follows a good beat, his own." Zak smiled and looked down. "He reminds me of someone. Noticed you've been so busy lately. Well that's to be expected, you DO have ALL of this to run. and all by yourself." Zak sighed and stretched. "Well, no need to worry, I've been keeping a close eyes on everyone for ya." Zak's intent was clear, he seemed nonchalant and agreeable but he was critiquing his father's mood. "Trist seems to be coming along well. The baby seems strong, though trist may need a little more support now and then. I sense she's scared. Apepe is trying hard to be a part of his household... Speaking of the Anunxamoons, Nefret is. so so. She limps a bit now.. But she's working very very very hard. As for mother. she seems strangely lonely. I have no idea why. I mean she DOES have us and Neffie around but." Zak shook his head and smiled at his father, still with the act. "But that's the news on the family front. Just so you can feel reassured while your in here doing all you very very important work." The boy got up from the chair and headed to the door.

Mozenrath, for the first time lifted the papers away to show his face, but only to Zak's back. There was something there, just between the creases of his brow, some human emotion yet to have a good name. "Zak." The boy stopped without turning, suddenly all words escaped Mozenrath except something he'd been thinking about earlier. "Tell Nefret to bring my dinner here, I'll be working late tonight."

Zak's shoulders fell and he let out a sigh after the door was closed. A few moments later Mozenrath heard the sound of a tray being dropped outside the door and the small pat of feet heading back downstairs. Inside he flinched.

*****

Trist, Zak, Chroias, and Nefret sat at the table, in their assigned stations. Chroias in the chair closets to the head of the table, Trist and Zak next facing one another, Nefret next in a smaller and mostly plain seat and Apepe balancing on a chair not much more than a stool. This was now the rule. Just as they picked up their forks to eat a small cough issued from the door and in stepped the head of the house, looking a bit sheepish with his eyes cast down and a frown on his face, but still walking as proud as ever. Slowly he lowered into his seat and picked up his fork to

Chapter 310 (By Chroias)

Chroias smiled a little at her lover. She kicked out the side of one of the chairs and motioned to him. Mozenrath sat beside her, still trying to keep up a front. He tested this new boundary by tapping his foot against hers under the table and was met with a chastising look. It was all too easy to read. You're not forgiven yet! He'd have to be content with how far he'd gotten, which meant another lonely, cold night.

Nefret reached down and fiddled with her anklet, grimacing as it cut a little more into her ankle. Mozenrath looked over at what she was doing and coughed gently, catching her attention. "I have something for that." He mentioned. "Come to my lab later tonight and I'll loosen it a bit."

Nefret seemed surprised.but covered with a cheeky grin all of the sudden. The sort that absolutely screamed I knew you would snap. Still, she managed to cover. "Thank you My Lord."

Mozenrath frowned. "Yes well, it's very difficult for you to serve me properly if your limping all over the place." He heard a slight snicker, which had to have come from Zak. "Tris. I want to have a talk with you after dinner.as well as." he cast what could have been a dark glare at Apepe. ".Him."

Apepe paled excessively.

Zakurum grinned as he received a communication from his twin. 'You guilt tripped him! You sneaky little brat!' Tris's tone was something between elation and scolding. She was of course thrilled that her father's sudden spout of control was slowly dissipating.

Just a little guilt trip. Something to make him realize what all he was missing.' He grinned inside Tris's mind and checked through the lesson their mother had taught her earlier. 'Your improving a lot. I just wish dad would take an interest in your abilities too.' A mental picture of sadness showed itself and Zak bit his lip. 'Sis.I'm sorry.'

'Hey it's not your fault that you're a better sorcerer then I am.not your fault that you were born a boy either.'

She tried to subdue the tears but Zak could see that she was very very close to displaying more emotions then was needed right now. Part of it was due to hormones, the other part due to fear. 'Tris.talk to him about it.'

She made no response but continued eating her meal, not looking up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mozenrath heard the knock on his door and lifted his head from his books. "Come in."

Tristram opened the door, Apepe just a few steps behind her. "You wanted to see me and Apepe?" she asked and Mozenrath beckoned her in.

"Just you for now. I need to talk with you."

Tris cooled Apepe nervous look. "I'll be fine. I'm sure he just wants to remind me what a huge mistake I'm making." She laughed and kissed Apepe gently.

Mozenrath fought the desire to kill the youth then and there. But only just barely. Instead and let out a low warning sound.

Tris sighed and pushed Apepe away and winked at him. and sat down in a chair in front of him "What?"

Mozenrath never though a single word could hurt so much. There was coldness in her tone that reminded him far too much of himself. "Tristram.Tris.I've been neglecting you." He took a deep breath as those beautiful eyes looked up at his. "I.apologies for it. It's just, when you were born I though." he tried to sort out the right words, but none of them seemed to say what he wanted to say.

"You felt like you weren't ready for this. Like maybe it hurt you to see us move away from you so fast?" Tris offered and Mozenrath looked at her. "I know you weren't expecting twins." she said. "But." the damn of hormones and emotions inside her just seemed to break all at once. "But did you have to ignore me the way you did!" she shouted suddenly. "Did you have to always concentrate on Zakurum and his magic? You just just... just.!" she couldn't find any more words and just started crying.

Mozenrath didn't even realize about what he was doing as he did it. He just noticed that his arms were holding a crying child. For ten seconds she was his baby girl again who needed her father to protect her from the storm. He kissed Tris's cheek and smoothed over her hair. "It's alright..shush shush it's alright." He smoothed over her hair and held her.

"I don't even know why I'm so scared."Tris stammered out. "I mean I know Apepe's been working so h-hard these past few months.." her bottom lip trembled. "He's been taking extra works and been out all the t-time." she forced out little pieces of explanations. "And he's always trying to make s- s-sure that I'm okay and that I don't need anything." Tris sniffled and cried a little more. "He e-even went out and got me some pomegranate juice just cause I wanted it." she giggled in her tears. "And it was like.midnight."

Mozenrath chuckeled.A sudden thought came to him. "Tristram." he waited and dried her eyes with the corner of his cape. "You.you love him don't you?" He waited patiently while she shook her head yes. "This isn't just because you're pregnant or because you're lonely or your trying to get back at me for being a bad father?"

Tris laughed a bit. "If I wanted to get back at you I'd have changed my lifestyle to females." She broke up laughing at the pure fear look on Mozenrath's face. "I'm joking daddy!" she laughed and hugged him harder.

Mozenrath tried a little smile. "Send in Apepe okay."

Tris frowned. "Promise me you'll be nice. Daddy don't go terrifying him or turning him into a mumluks." she warned

Mozenrath smiled charmingly "Now Tris darling would I do a think like that?" he chuckled louder as she popped his shoulder. He sighed and dried her eyes a little more. "Are you going to be alright?" he said seriously. "I mean if you and him ever need anything.anything at all.all you have to do is ask."

Tris smiled and shook her head. "We'll be fine." She promised and hugged him a little while longer.

Mozenrath frowned and smoothed over her bangs. "I never thought it would be like this." he whispered.

"What would?"

Mozenrath shook his head and let her go. "Never mind. Go get him and then go to bed." He rethought the statement. "Your own bed." He said.

"Daddy!"

Mozenrath shook his fingers in a no attitude way. "I meant what I said. You two will continue to sleep in separate bedrooms until after the wedding." he thought for a moment. "But.I'll let the guards off of him."

Chapter 311 (by Nefret)

Apepe made a gulping sound that was heard round the world as he creaked open the study door and took the seat indicated to him. Mozenrath sat in front of him in an impressive looking armchair. His eyes dark under his heavy brows and his pale mouth set straight. Apepe took an unhealthy interest in the paintings on the wall as he was stared at.

"Listen, boy. You know what to expect." Mozenrath said in a flat voice.

"The third degree?"

"Bingo." Moze smiled slightly, so the boy wasn't as stupid as he might appear. "How was your upbringing?"

Apepe squirmed. "My mother was a kind woman to me. She worked hard and I, as well, followed suit. Nef's father.... our father was nonexistent to me. But I was taught to work hard for what I got. And I refuse to follow in my father's path." Apepe filled the words with meaning.

"Work hard to ya? And what shall your business be to support my child and grand child?" Moze poured two drinks, actually offering one to the boy.

"I've been working as a page for some time now. All the nobles in Dendera always counted on good old Apepe to get the messages sent!" He puffed his chest a bit. The sign of a proud working man. "I expect the same kind of recognition in Agrabah."

Moze snorted. "A humble career. Hardly brings in enough to feed your own mouth. But I suppose if you gain enough fame business will prosper. I wont have my daughter working is that understood?" The sorcerer waited till Apepe nodded earnestly. Mozenrath smiled in a way that made your gut churn. "You will marry Trist."

"I plan to already." Apepe smiled back.

"No, you will marry her before that baby comes. You will marry her within this week."

Apepe's eyes grew wide. "There's no time!!"

Moze got up and wrapped an arm around him, dragging him up and walking him to the door. "In this house there is always time." As they came to the door Moze flung it open whole heartedly and patted the boy in the head. "Welcome to the family, son." And with that Apepe was shoved out the door, slightly tumbling and quite unsure if that was a good sign or a bad omen.

Nefret watched as Apepe came out the door, still intact.. she hummed and withdrew the arrow from the cross bow.. No screams, her brother was not bloody and still walked. No need for weaponry.

****

The door to the lab opened sometime after sunset. In slipped the minion of the lord who now sat in the chair looking over a big black bound book. "Ah there you are." He sighed.

"Yeah yeah, here I am, you lucky person you." Nefret half laughed half sighed.

Moze gave her the oh-please look. "I could just make the anklet tighter you know." He grinned threatingly at her.

"No no, that's quite alright. I'd rather keep the skin on my body thank you." She laughed at the involuntary flex of his right hand. Sure it was mean, but he deserved it damn it!!!!! With a little 'umf' sound she hopped up on the table and swung her feet like a child. To cute to be guilty of poking fun at him. sure.

Moze grumbled and pulled the seat up in front of her, catching her foot as it swung up and went to work to lengthen the setting and perfecting the lock. Nefret looked on for a few moments but ultimately got bored. "Haven't seen much of you around." She thought out loud as she looked around. She caught his look just in time. "Not that I missed you."

Moze chuckled and twisted a ruby, causing a small mechanical noise. "I've been told I've been holed up for a while." He was quiet for a moment. "But don't think I haven't' been keeping up on you people."

"Oh wouldn't dream of it!" Nefret gasped sarcastically.

Moze gave her a look. "Okay okay." They was quiet for yet another moment. "There will be a wedding this week Nefret."

The girl was taken aback. "This week? I expect I'll be busy then."

"Yes this one. And yes you will be busy. I admit wedding planning isn't up my ally. So as usual I'm laying the responsibly on you girls." He grinned.

Nefret gave a deep sigh, hiding her happiness. "Very well, my lord." They both gave each other little grin, a look of understanding, the sort they always had, before Nefret hopped off the table. "Shall I tell Chroias you said hi or are you going to send a telegram?"

Moze gave looked surprised at her insolence, than remembered who he was talking to. He smiled rather sadly and looked away. "Have I been that bad?" He asked in a whisper, if she was meant to hear it or not was not known.

Nefret smiled gently. "Worse, much worse." Moze nodded and opened the door for her, following her out the hall and into Chroias's room.

Chapter 312 (by Chroias)

Mozenrath knocked the doorframe and tried to smile at Chroias "Hello m'love." He said softly. She smiled just a little and then turned back away. Mozenrath walked over beside her and sat down on the bed. "I wish I could explain myself to you."



"You don't need to." Chroias said and slide her fingers teasingly over his. "A father's love for his children needs no explanation, it's just what happens." She looked back at him. "I never had the good luck of a father who wanted the best for me. I always took care of myself and my mother." She slid her fingers under the gauntlet and held his skeletal hand. "Tris and Zak don't know how lucky they are."



Mozenrath sighed and brought Chroias closer to him. "The wedding is arranged for this week. I'm depending on you and Nefret to set it up."



"Oh this should be interesting. What religion will they marry under?"" Chroias looked up at him. "I mean neither of us are exactly devout to our faiths.. But Apepe may be very devout to his."



Mozenrath hadn't even considered the possibilities. "I suppose we will need a priest of some sort."



"And a guest list. Which WILL include both my parents and yours. Don't go giving me that look!"" She scolded as he grimaced. "They will be invited."

Chapter 313 (by Nefret)

And so it had been decided. Mozenrath could hardly be called a good Muslim even in the loosest sense of the word. The rare occasions when he did invoked Allah was in a curse. Both twins and Chroias clung to only the barest rendments of a Grecian religion. The strongest spiritual force in this household was Kemetic, the Egyptian religion of both Nefret and Apepe. Of course Nefret was only to happy to lend a hand in the selecting a priest. It was only by chance and circumstance that priest happened to be from Dendera. really!

Priest Ptahor was a good man of the second order in the house of life in Dendera and heartily driven to the Land of The Black Sand when he was offered a good sum of money to perform a simple ceremony

****.

While the arrangements were made to deliver the holy man out of his land, Chroias was busy with the guest list. Of course there was Mirage and her parents, Hades and Persephone, but as well Apepe's mother, well she was really the only one on the Egyptians side to be of any consequence. And the diplomatic gesture of inviting Aladdin and Jasmine. It was a lot of people to be hanging around the Citadel, but with any hope they wouldn't stay long, maybe not even the day. There was always hope.

****

Nefret sat under a pile of silk spools, ribbons, flowers, and dress options along with the blushing bride to be, Tristram. Planning the color theme, flowers, music and dresses of a wedding was enough to make your head spin. But it was all coming together and not a moment to soon, the wedding was set for tomorrow afternoon and the guests would be arriving in the morning and the priest.

Nefret held out an attendance dress in front of her. Why were these things always so hideous? Probably to make the bride look all the better. Nefret scowled a bit and looked to Trist, who smiled and nodded in approval of the dress. Nefret sighed and accepted the choice. A knock rang at the door, powerful and commanding.

Bursting from the pile of wedding paraphernalia Nefret skitted down the hall, leaving a trail of ribbons and flower petals behind. The massive front door of the citadel was swung upon to reveal, upon a seat carried by four Nubian slaves, the posh and plump for of priest Ptahor. Slowly the slaves strolled in and placed the seat on the ground, cursing slightly under the breath in terms of their master's girth. Nefret sighed, same old same old.

Ptahor was a round old man, his balled head just as round and shiny as his belly. A linen kilt was tied under his gut, his feet wrapped in sandals and body glinting with sparely placed gold. With a grunt that seemed far to crude for a priest of the second order he lifted his weight up and lumbered onto the floor.

"Imakhu Ptahor." Nefret voiced with a mix of amusement and reverence as she lowered on one knee and lifted her right arm out at knee level.

Ptahor strolled forward and placed a hand on her head, seemly a sign of affection, but he placed so much weigh on her it was more likely he was using her to steady himself. Nef winced and tired not to smack him away. Dang priests always thought the world to be at their service. "Hello little one of Hathor." He smiled.. hum, probably couldn't remember her name. "Glad to see you finally marring. After the great 'wig massacre' I thought you were doomed to be alone." Okay perhaps he did remember her.

Nefret forced a smile. "Oh I am quite doomed. It is not I getting married." She led him to his room.

*****

The nerves were on high that night. Mozenrath had taken to rereading every book I his library, Chroias was franticly making sure she didn't forget anyone, Trist had bitten off almost all of her finger nails, Apepe was pacing the window in Nefret room as Nefret watched him, half hidden under the covers in an attempt to hid from her beloved "Imakhu Ptahor and his constant attempts in reshaping her as a priestess. Just 8 hours of this night left and then THEY come and IT takes place. Weddings, guests. oh boy, this will be interesting.

Chapter 314 (by Chroias)

Chroias busily kept redoing Mozenrath's turban until he finally smacked her hands away and did it himself. "There...not a complicated procedure." he said and straightened it slightly in the mirror. He began to brush imaginary dust from his cape as Chroias put on her jewelry. "Who do you think will be arriving first?" he asked, wanting to know what to prepare for.

"Probably mine...daddy probably heard about this fiasco and decided to halt brimstone production for a month." She attempted to joke. Her face however, was full of worry. After all, it wasn't just the next-door neighbors she had for parents. "I just hope daddy doesn't give too much hassle about this all...I can just SEE what he's gonna say." she mocked Hades. "Well so their getting married before the two of you do eh...."

Mozenrath chuckled. "Oh he'll be alright...it's my mother that I'm worried about!" he switched his voice to a whiney purrr. "OHHH Mozenrath! Your dear baby girls disappearing!!" he stopped chuckling. "She's bound to mention something about the size of Tris's belly."

"Yes....mom will notice, but most likely won't say much. Hades will try to be rude about it." Chroias straightened her dress. It was a casual coffin dress with the ripples done over in dark blue. She had worn gold jewelry so as to match Mozenrath. "This is going to be tiresome..."

"You have no idea... Still...the one least likely to be a problem is Apepe's mother...what exactly DOES she do anyways?" Mozenrath asked with an arched brow.

Chroias sighed. "From what I hear from Nef, she deals in the trade markets...something like perfumes and incense. I'm not sure." she snapped her head around and glared at Mozenrath. "Don't harass the woman Moze...I mean it!" she scolded.

"I won't I promise."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nefret helped Apepe prepare for the wedding. Even though he wasn't his usual self, no smart aleck smirks, no comments. Nefret had to admit. He look handsome in his robes. The white robes had been touched up with deep blue and gold around the neck and sleeves as well as around the bottom. His hair had been tied up and slicked down and Nefret was currently applying eye make-up.

"Stop twitching!" she fussed at him and drew a smooth line across his eyes.

"Well it's hard not to with someone poking me in the eyes!" he snapped back but tried to stay still.

Nefret added the usual touch up's for male make-up and stood back. "There you look fine." she promised and showed him a mirror. He did look good. All appearance of a lowly messenger boy had vanished and a mature, handsome young man now stood before the mirror.

Apepe even seemed surprised at the change. "umm...sis..." he tried to look at her. "Thanks...for all your help."

Nefret blushed. "Hey we're family. Ya know...the last of our family." he kisses his cheek lightly. "I'd better go get ready..." she walked away.

Apepe grabbed her around the waist and ground his knuckles into her hair. "Nuggie nuggie nuggie!!" he yelled as Nefret screeched in laughter.

"HEY !! Stop it you little!!! "she reached around!. "I work hard on your make-up!! Don't make me ruin it!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tris was applying her last touch of make-up when Mozenrath walked in. "Hi daddy. How do I look?" she stood and twirled in her dress. It was pure white and form fitting to her slender body. The only bump was that of pregnancy, and it did not fault her attractiveness at all. Her wild hair hadn't been cut or tied, mearly left to roam free and frame her face. While her two strange of green hair had been laid and curled. The angle sleeve arms had been dyed with blue and gold as had the bottom and her vail had gold lace sewn into it.

Mozenrath gasped ."Baby you look...beautiful." a little sting behind his eyes made him duck his head. Why did he feel so emotional at this. It was supposed to be Chroias's job to tear up, not his. "You look great..."

Tris walked calmly over to her father and hugged him. "Thanks daddy...for everything."

Mozenrath felt a tear slip down his cheek. "Anytime you need me I'm here." he whispered and hugged her.

Tristram sighed. "i know...I know...Daddy...are you crying?"

Mozenrath turned his head away and wiped his eyes quickly. "No...just, your perfume is so strong. Makes my eyes water." he turned to leave. "See you at the wedding."

"Daddy..."

Mozenrath turned around.

"I'm not wearing any perfumed."

Mozenrath nodded his head oddly and walked out, not seeing the smile on Tristram's face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zakurum sighed, relaxing on the throne, thinking his own thoughts while Mepho chewed on his fingers. 'Your gonna have to tell him the real reason you broke up with Domdi...' he mused over. 'He might not be happy about it but it's a chance you'll have to take. He's your father...'

Mepho chomped down on Zak's hand and the boy yelped. "You little ruffian!" he scolded and tickled the kitten behind the ears. The little thing even seemed to laugh as he did so. "So your my moms familiar are you.?" the kitten nodded. "I need to get me something along those lines."

A large, commanding knock at the front doors caught Zak's attention.

Chapter 315 (by Nefret)

As predicated mirage was the first to arrive. She cated around, quite literally, hanging on to her son in the sheer delight of his face when she was to near, inspecting her daughter in law and grandchildren in more magical than maternal terms and throwing unnerving looks to Nefret as she walked by, busy with rotating snacks and drinks. Next came Hades and Persephone followed shortly by Apepe's mother, and making up the cows tail, Aladdin and Jasmine.

People began to pair off, as was the norm in most social situations when many classes mixed. Aladdin and jasmine took the divine and soft company of Persephone, mirage chatted evilly to Hades, Apepe talked with Zak and Trist clung to her mother and father. Nefret, having never meet Apepe's mother huddled in the corner chatting with the woman.

"Well of course their making a mistake!" Mirage cated rather loudly.

"I give it six months." Hades growled.

"My my you are an optimistic one." Mirage laughed and slapped his arm.

A few feet away Persephone bit her lip, overhearing the conversation and turned back to the royal couple. "Well I think it is simply splendid. I love weddings ever so much. But they always make me a bit misty in the eye." Like a lady she dabbed the corner of her eyes.

"There there." Jasmine comforted and patted her arm. "It's alright."

"Yes, this is a happy occasion. This house finally found real honest, pure love!" Aladdin sighed, he felt uncomfortable as he caught a glimpse of Nef in the corner. He hadn't laid eyes on her since.. Well since last time.

Apepe bit his lip and shuffled his feet. Zak smiled and leaned in. "what ever you do just don't look at her!" he whispered as if it was some covert secret.

The groom autumnally set his eyes on his bride. "Why?"

"Cause its bad luck!"

"Oh gezz!" Apepe said under a hushed voice and turned his head away, terrified he'd jinxed their entire life together. Zak laughed heartily and slapped his back.

Nefret stared into the woman's face... Kipa. her name was Kipa. Nef had never known her mother and yet this Kipa had the face she imagined a mother would have. "My father was a good man and yet he did you wrong and left you for my mother. do you dislike me.. My existence?" Nef questioned.

"No no! Your innocent. And you're the living half of the man I loved. Apepe is the other living half. And together you make him whole in my mind. I love you both." Kipa suddenly grabbed either side of Nefret's head and squished her into her bosom, making small sniffing sounds. Nefret made a choking noise and turned blue.

Moze shuffled his feet and looked around. Jasmine and Persephone were both in tears, Aladdin was shooting strange looks to Nefret who was currently being smothered by Apepe's mother, Hades and mirage seemed to be holding a counsel of war and Apepe looked absolutely terrified as Zak preached to him. Ahh weddings.

"Daddy." Trist said quietly. Moze looked to her. "I'm moving away. I'm gaining a new man in my life. I'm making my own life. But you'll never loose me. Now you have a daughter and TWO sons."

Mozenrath looked at her, his mouth opened.

"Alright alright.. Lets get this shindig over! A feast is waiting at the new couples house!" came a voice from down the stairs as priest Ptahor came lumbering down. His head newly shaved and his body shimmering gold like under the lamp light from the oils. With unaccountable respect the party took their seats and the couple took a seat on a golden bench at the front of the room. "Little one of Hathor!" he ordered and Nefret was at his side in a flash. The light was low, so low their frames were barely silhouetted against the warm fire light. The priest made several motions over their heads as he mumbled words of Amoon. It was a beautiful scene and a sniff was heard from several locations around the room. Nefret, looking quite calm and humble for once, came forth and placed an alabaster bowl on the bench between them. The couple hovered their hands over it, careful not to touch. Priestess Nefret took a pitcher of water and poured the liquid over their hands as a slave does for her master before he eats in the noble houses of Egypt. When the bowl beside them was full they both dipped their hands down. Upon the hands coming out of the water they were shown to be linked. Nefret took bowl and pitcher away and alls that was left were Apepe and Trist holding hands. Priest Pathor took the crook, a singular object from the pair of the crook and flail, and touched it to both their lips.

"Nekhtet!" Cried the priest with a big smile. "Nekhtet!" he cried again with Nefret in chorus and soon everyone cried out in happiness. "Nekhtet, nekhtet, nekhtet!!!"

The party walked though the hut lined streets of south Agrabah in a parade of golden lamplight, the beating of drums, the echo of signing, and the flash and clod of feet towards the new home.

Apepe stepped in and, turning back, offered his hand over the threshold to Tristram. In a monumental moment she took in and stepped in and a joyous yelp arose from the priest, kipa, and Nefret as the true Egyptian wedding was complete in the moving in of the house.