Jaid: I'm back everyone! ^__^ Happy? Lol. Here's the next chapter; sorry it's so short but I am pressed for time now. Ja!

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            Shadi waited on the edge of town, feeling apprehensive. He felt as if he were lost in the dark and did not know what was going on. Now that Katya was awake, maybe there would be some answers, but he could not trust just to that. Unconsciously, he gripped the Ankh about his neck.

            //It will be all right, Shadi.// Ankh's quiet, calm voice filtered through his thoughts.

            \\ Hmph. Scared bedhead?\\ Scales demanded. Shadi lifted a mental eyebrow.

            /\If you were to meet an ancient and powerful priest, how would you feel, Senui?/\ he asked, intentionally using Scales' real name. The spirit was silent for a moment. Shadi felt a hint of guilt; he probably should not have said that, seeing as how silent Scales had become.

            \\ I wouldn't be clutching the ankh like some helpless moron.\\ Scales muttered. Shadi sighed.

            'Thought too soon.'

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            "This place." Katya whispered. "It's so different."

            Yami looked at her, but privately agreed. When Yugi had been in the hospital, it had definitely been cleaner and seemingly better staffed than this. He approached a woman who looked like a nurse and with difficulty, asked her for Isis Ishtar.

            The woman blinked. "You foreigner? Speak English?"

            Yami grimaced and struggled to remember what Yugi had told him of that language.

            "I do!" Katya said brightly. Yami sighed mentally with relief.

            "You look for Isis Ishtar." The woman said. Katya nodded.

            "Why?"

            Katya blinked. "So we could visit her?"

            "But she no here. Her brother came and got her. He say that it be better for her at home." The woman said.

            "Oh, well, thank you." Katya turned to Yami and switched to Japanese. "She isn't here. Her brother came and got her."

            "What?!" Yami grabbed her arm. "You're kidding!"

            "No." Katya said, sounding confused. "What's wrong with her brother getting her?"

            "The problem is that her brother is somewhat of a raving lunatic." Yami stated stiffly, walking quickly towards the exit. Katya blinked.

            "Yeah, I guess that could be a problem." She acquiesced, chasing after him. "But where are we going?"

            "To find Shadi."

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            Mokuba stumbled again. Rebecca didn't make a noise as he lost his grip and she went flying across the desert floor. Desperation finally overcame his little boy heart and he burst into tears as he shook his friend. The girl didn't respond. Mokuba looked up and gasped softly. Before him stood an image of a man who looked a little like Yugi's Dark Magician. But his clothes were different and he was almost transparent. The man blinked, and then said something in an old language. Mokuba wiped away his tears and stood on shaky legs. For a moment, they just stared at one another, then the man's eyes traveled to Rebecca. He reached out a hand and touched Mokuba's forehead, speaking gently. Mokuba closed his eyes and just listened to the man's cool, soft voice.

            The man with drew his hand and seemed to step away.

            "Wait." Mokuba cried, but the man's figure wavered and the disappeared. Mokuba sank to his knees, head bowed. After a few moments, he looked up and smiled. He could see the Nile!

            Suddenly, he felt stronger. Hefting Rebecca up, he set off towards it.

            "We're almost there, Becca." He whispered. "Almost there."

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            "Mahado! Mahado!"

            The priest's eyes snapped open. Before him was the prince, concern in his violet eyes. "Are you all right?" the young man asked.

            "Yes, my prince. Why?"

            "Seth and I have been calling you for several minutes. You weren't responding. Are you sure you are fine?"

            Mahado blinked. He remembered the hunt; they had done well today. The men had made a campfire and sat around to celebrate when he had sat near the prince and felt weariness over take him.

            "Yes." He finally said. "I…I was just in the midst of an odd dream. That is all." The priest stood. A dream that was sure to have meant something. He briefly wondered who the two children had been and felt sorry that he could not have helped them. He shook his head, walking away from the prince. It was rude, he knew, but he couldn't think straight. He felt so odd, like something that was supposed to happen, but now it couldn't…

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            "So, where are we supposed to go?" Katya asked, trying to keep up with Yami.

            "Outside the city."

            "Outside the city where?" Katya demanded. "Do you know how big Luxor is?"

            Yami stopped short.

            "I didn't think of that." He admitted. 'I'm losing my head; acting too rashly. Strange…I suppose it was always Yugi who encouraged caution and thinking about things. The girl is right.' He frowned.

            "Well, he's meeting some weirdo priest dude, right?" Katya asked. "If you were a priest, where would you meet a, er, whatever Shadi is."

            Yami was quiet. "I suppose they would meet in the Valley of Queens. It is often secluded; or was in my time."

            "Great!" Katya smiled happily. "Let's go then!"

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            Tea walked down the hallway of the palace, feeling useless and bored. Mai and Tara followed and Tea could tell from Mai's expression that she felt the same way. Biting her tongue, Tea looked away as they entered the gardens. There was a silence as the three sat, then Tara looked up, biting her lip.

            "I'm worried." She said. "Has anyone heard anything of Katya?"

            "No." Tea had been thinking the same thing. "She could be anywhere."

            The realization of that hit them all at the same time; anywhere could mean anything. She could be a slave, priestess, noblewoman, farmer's daughter or wife, maybe even a tavern woman. They exchanged glances.

            "Wasn't gray an odd eye color?" Tara asked hopefully.

            "I think so." Tea answered slowly.

            "We could ask somebody…" Mai trailed off and the three exchanged glances. Tara's mouth twitched and Tea started to smile. All three broke into laughter, but it was almost hysterical.

            "Oh god." Tea turned away from the others, her laughter dissolving into tears. "I think I'm going nuts. Sometimes I actually think for a few minutes that I am really Tefnut."

            "Well, this isn't going to help any." Mai said in a decided tone, standing. The other did as well. "There's got to be a way for us to get out of this palace."

            "We could ask Serenity to help." Tara suggested.

            "No, only as a last resort." Tea said. "I don't want her to get into trouble if….well, if she's found out or anything."

            "Right." Mai sighed. "Let's start."

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            Mokuba was seriously on his last legs now. He made it halfway to the river bank, only thinking of getting Rebecca to some water. But he couldn't make it and pitched forward. He tried to stand, but he couldn't. He was too tired, almost too tired to feel his limbs pain, or the heavy feeling in his chest or the thickness of his mouth. Rebecca laid by him quietly, not moving.

            He dragged himself over to her; night was falling and it was getting cold.

            "Becca?" his voice was barely above a hoarse whisper. "Becca, I'm sorry…"

            She didn't move. Mokuba wasn't even sure she was breathing. Tears welled up in his eyes. "I'm so sorry…"

            He put an arm around her and pulled her close. "Please, don't die…" He begged. Mokuba's eyelids closed and he gave in to the promise of sleep.

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            The woman was still and quiet, only the movement of her chest betrayed the fact that she lived. A young man knelt next to her thin cot, his blonde hair falling forward over his shoulders. Carefully, he uncorked a small bottle and held it up to the woman's lips, forcing her to drink it.

            "So you found her, I see."

            Malik did not look up to Bakura, who stood in the doorway of the small and dark room. "Qenamun knew where she was. She was poisoned. He gave me the anti-dote."

            "Hm." Bakura's eyes went to Isis. "She does not have her Item."

            "I am aware." Malik's voice was tight. "If you do not mind, I would rather be alone with her."

            BAkura smirked. "As you wish." He said in a voice dripping with sarcasm. He allowed the worn blanket that served as a make shift door to fall back into place. Malik touched his sister's face.

            "Isis? Isis, are you there?" his voice changed, becoming lighter, more child-like, but almost frightened. "Isis?"

            The woman shifted, her eyelids flickering. Malik sighed and sat down, making himself comfortable.

            It looked like he would be here all night.

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            Shadi was pacing the river bank. No one had ever shown up and the man was wondering if it had been a hoax; a ruse to get him to leave. Good thing he had sent Yami and Katya away…

            Shadi's body stiffened as he remembered all the soulless bodies that were still in the back room. What if…?

            Setting his jaw, Shadi started to walk quickly, when he stumbled over a pile of clothes. Looking down, he saw hair and the bodies of two children. Both were badly sunburned, dirty and drawn.

            Shadi knelt down and tried to disentangle the girl from the boy's arms. He moaned and just held on tighter.

            "No…" he muttered. "She stays with me…I promised…"

            "Shadi!"

            The man looked up to see Yugi and Katya running up.

            "Isis is gone." Yami snapped, not waiting for any greetings. "It sounds as if Malik took her."

            \\ Oh wonderful.\\ Scales commented sarcastically.

            //Shadi, what will we do?// Ankh asked. //I don't know if the Ankh will still respond to me.//

            /\Come out and try anyway. We must do something for these children./\ Shadi said.

            Yami knelt down. "Mokuba. Rebecca." He murmured, brushing the boy's bangs away from his heated face.

            The Ankh glowed and the healer appeared, looking at the children almost sorrowfully. He knelt down opposite Yami.

            "We'll need water; just enough to cool them off for now." He said softly.

            "Right." Katya said, then looked at Shadi. He nodded and the two head down the bank towards the river. Ankh set his teeth and tried to call upon his Item.

            It was difficult, but if he followed a small mental thread, he could connect. The Ankh began to glow, and the children's sunburns faded. He could not do anything about their dehydration, but he could ease aching muscles and cool the burns.

            "Here!" Katya had taken her loose vest and soaked it. Shadi had done the same with his turban, causing his shoulder length hair to fall about his face. Yami picked up Rebecca, while Shadi picked up Mokuba.

            "Did the priest come?"

            "No." Shadi answered.

            Yami's mouth tightened. He said nothing, but both he and Shadi feared what they might find back at home.

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            Yugi twisted and turned, trying to sleep, but it eluded him. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. What it was, he couldn't tell. Finally, the boy sat up and sighed. This was getting him no where.

            Standing, he walked over to a balcony and looked down at the garden. He felt terribly lonely. He had never realized how much security he had placed in feeling Yami's presence at all times. Now that the spirit was gone, Yugi felt empty, like a part of him was missing. Sighing, he leaned his arms on the thick stone rail. 'I wish I knew how to go back.'

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            She was trapped and there was no way out. Suspended in mid-air, Isis could not even move her limbs the slightest bit. It was almost as if she were encased in side a block of ice, put on display as if she were one of the priceless artifacts that she cared for at her museum.

            Struggling to her open her eyes, she wished instantly she hadn't. She was in encased in a crystal and in a room that was nothing but darkness. At least at first.

            A small pinpoint of light had appeared once her eyes had opened and steadily grew big enough to show her a vision.

            All she saw was a figure, clothed in black. Before it, was her brother. He was in an odd position, almost dangling in mid-air like a discarded puppet. His eyes were closed and he was perfectly still. Isis tried to cry out, tried to move towards him, but she was trapped completely.

            Then the vision shifted and it was Shadi who hung limply in the air. His turban was off and his black hair hid his face from her. Dark red liquid dripped and pooled underneath his feet as the figure began to laugh. Isis struggled even more than before and this time, her voice rang out in a pleading cry. But it did no good; all she could do was watch. Her eyes would not close now, even if she tried.

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            There was a moan and Malik jumped slightly in his sleep. He looked at his sister and took her hand. It was icy cold. He clenched his jaw and leaned over the woman as Isis turned and twisted.

            "What is wrong now?" Bakura's voice said. Malik looked behind him.

            "What are you doing here?"

            "She keeps crying out like that." The thief snapped. "I'm trying to sleep."

            Malik felt anger build up. "Go away." He hissed. "Just go away."

            Bakura glared at him, then shrugged. "Fine." He obviously didn't want a fight this late.

            Malik turned back to his sister. "Isis, Isis can you hear me?"

            A low moan was his only answer. Malik squeezed her hand and sighed.

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            Shadi laid Mokuba on the bed next to Rebecca, as Ankh got some water.

            "Katya can help me here, Shadi." The healer said softly. The man nodded and left the room, heading for the back room where they had kept the bodies. Yami was on his heels.

            Shadi stopped at the entrance, gripping the door way. Yami looked around him and swore softly.

            The bodies were gone.

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No language or character notes this time. I'm just too tired for it…

As for going over my two-week limit, I apologize. School turned out being almost more than I could handle and I needed a break. As it is, I need to attend a brief summer school.

Also, I contracted the flu and had to go the hospital (again). I'm feeling better now, but still kinda wiped.

But I will still respond to each of your reviews; they are what keep me going.

Indigo - *blush* I'm so glad! ^__^ Next chapter, I am going to try to have AE Scales in it, but I'm not sure if I can promise…he's confusing me right now. Bleh. Ankh is so much easier to work with sometimes.

Dragon Spirits – lol! I hear ya girl. That's why I usually have six or seven. ^__~  j/k. Thank you!

Dr. Vorlon – Yep! This series will never end. Lol, just kidding. I just reviewed your story; gomen for taking so long!

Black Mistress – E-mail me! I'll help you with that writer's block! (addy on profile page). Ahh, so I can just cuddle up to Duke and he'll get like that huh? *evil grin*

Serena – lol! 'Tis a common ailment among us authors, I fear! Whew, sorry, been spending way too much time in LotR RPGs…yes, fluff will come for those two. I promise.

Fire Pendant – Thank you! A beta reader is something of an editor I believe, but maybe more involved in the shaping of ideas. At least, that's the type of Beta I am to my bro. *shrugs*

DDW – Oh, that is such a GREAT idea…only I didn't think of it. No, the reason the Items are not working is because Qenamun can overrule their power because he is their Maker. Oh boy…a lot of places. Here's a list of books that are very helpful:

Info/Facts/History/Etc:

"The Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt" – Elizabeth Payne

"Pyramid" – David Macaulay

"Mummies Made in Egypt" – Aliki

"Growing Up In Ancient Egypt" – Rosalie David

"Pharaohs and Pyramids" – Tony Allen (Very useful about Egyptian life)

"Ancient Egypt" – Robert Nicholson and Claire Watts (Even has some recipes)

"Ancient Egypt" – George Hart (One of the Eyewitness Books, so has great photos)

"Archaeology" – Barbara Cork and Struan Reid

"Egyptian Myths" – George Hart

Those all helped with basic info and such, but the books that really helped me out were the historical fiction ones. These are great and I suggest that everyone read them:

"The Golden Goblet" – Eloise Jarvis Mcgraw (This gives a very good look at a common Egyptian boy and is one of the first chapter books I read)

"Mara, Daughter of the Nile" – Eloise Jarvis McGraw (Another excellent story, this time about a slave girl turned secret agent.)

The Lord Meren series – Lynda S. Robinson. (Possibly the best mystery series I have ever read. Robinson really catches Ancient Egypt well and her books made me think about doing a story like this.)

There is another, which I think is called "On the Wings of the Nile", but I am not sure. If you really want to know, I could probably look it up, but I would only recommend it if you are over sixteen, since it was definitely an adult book.

Lynx wings - *hugs* You just made my day! I'm so glad you like them! They didn't make in this chapter, but I promise you that they are in the next.

ShadowDragon – Thank you. ^__^

K*Fox – I know! He's such a cutie! *glomps Mokuba*  Oh, gee thanx! I'm going to try, but there are some real stellar writers entering it. X__X Makes me feel a little nervous…

Anime*Angel*Fox – Okay, will do. Lol, you are weird (there you go ^__~) Don't worry, Isis is not going to die, I am not going to be horrible to Mahahdo (though I have become exceptionally fond of him) and yes! Rebecca/Mokuba fluff shippers unite! ^__^ Don't mind the crazy girl yelling…

Okay, see you all next time folks!