Konton No Millennia
Episode Eight: Truth of Evil, Masquerade into Darkness!
A/N: Whoa! Sorry about the format, the original does NOT look like that! I'll be a lot more careful when updating! Yipe! Wowie! I'm already on Chapter Eight! We're at the halfway mark, folks, and who'da thunk it? This chapter really is just to let us in on Yume Shinkirou Industries, and I wanted to add something really cool into one of my chapters. So, I was reading my Sailor Moon Manga #1, and in it, Usagi, Ami, and Rei all go to a palace undercover at a masquerade ball. So, I had to put one in my story too! Come on, masquerades are simply the coolest things to go to, especially ones with themes. So, it's a costume masquerade ball! Yeah! I'm having way too much fun. Just to let all of you know, the Egyptian facts I've been putting in here, I've not been making up. The only thing that isn't crystal fact, are the Yu-Gi-Oh excerpts I've been putting in.
And as far as Yu-Gi-Oh! goes, everything's been right so far! I know I've said this a bazillion times, but it's time for the legal blah.
Disclaimer: Umm, I don't feel like writing a long and complex disclaimer, so I'll just put it this way: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Well said, if I do say so myself.
P.S. Thanks for all reviews; you know I love 'em! Also, as a note, ever since I started looking up the definition of Mary-Sue, I have been freaking out about how to change Rena into something away from Mary-Sue. But you know what? I'm tired of it. This is the fourth time I have rewritten this chapter, and now I've decided to continue regardless of public opinion. There are people who love my story, and I'm going to continue with it come what may.
P.S.S. Japanese lesson, crazy as it sounds, fuufu= husband and wife
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"A masquerade?" she gazed at the invitation written in flawless calligraphy.
"It's suspicious, I know," Seto said.
Rena frowned, and read the invitation again,
"Dear Seto Kaiba, I must request upon your presence on October 9th, to celebrate my company, Yume Shinkirou Industries', successful season. It is with much pleasure that I invite you to the former Duelists' Kingdom, where I have prepared a masquerade gala. To my ball, I request you bring a single guest to share the evenings' festivities with. I also ask you to wear a costume, as this is the month of Hallow's Eve. Thank you ever so much, My best regards, Tenshino Konton"
It almost seems genuine," she remarked, "but uncannily curious." Seto threw her a glance and looked back to the invite.
"What I'd like to know is how they got the Duelist Island. It seems." she trailed off.
"Strange and peculiar. Tenshino Konton is up to something," he finished. The CEO of Yume Shinkirou Industries was planning to throw a costume masquerade ball in honor of their success.
"It's got to have something to do with the Millennium Rapier," she said, gazing into space.
"That's my presumption."
"So, it could be dangerous," she said.
"That's my conjecture."
"You're not really helping," she sighed, throwing her pencil at him. It bounced off his chest and clattered to the floor.
"I don't trust this, not at all. But we have to risk it if it's going to involve the Rapier," he said.
"What do you mean 'we?'" she asked.
"You really don't think you're going with me?" he said condescendingly.
"No, I know I'm going with you. But this is not going to be any fun," she smiled.
"It's not supposed to be."
"You don't go to many parties do you?"
"Oh no, I go tons. Every day."
"Why are you such a wiseass?"
"Why are you such a pain in the ass?"
"That's it!" she cried. She ran and tackled him, pinning him to the floor. "I'm so sick of your attitude!" She slapped him across the face.
"Get off, now," he snarled. He surged up and she fell off, rolling onto the floor. He pinned her facedown, and wedged her arms into her sides. "I win," he smirked. She kicked her legs up, hitting him in the chest. "Ow, chikusho onna, you kick like a donkey." He let go of her and stood up.
Rena rolled over, moaning, "That hurt, you son of a musume."
"Not as much as this will," he said. He brought her face into his and crushed his lips down onto hers, their teeth clicking against one another's. She nearly fell back in surprise; she had not expected that to be coming. She admitted to herself this wasn't fun, but a pang in her heart made her weak. Were her knees weak? They felt that way, but it had been so long since they had she had forgotten the feeling. This man, this man she considered to be only a friend, was arousing her, and they had known each other for how long?
Seto nearly laughed at his gumption to kiss Rena, and probably would have had he not been so preoccupied. But really, he hadn't even expected himself to kiss her. Sure, she was gorgeous but she had an attitude when she was aggravated, and a quiet reserved air, especially around him, so kissing her? It surprised him that he had even gone so far as to put his lips on hers the way he did. She was just a kind of.a kind of fling, wasn't she? He had thought so at first. But she had been so non- conformative, so out of the line, and he found it enticing. But to his greatest surprise of all, Rena Campbelle kissed him back.
"Oh," she said, touching her lips, which ached a little from the intensity of the kiss. "That wasn't much for a first kiss." She mentally slapped herself, oh? That's all you could say, just oh? Why not a clever comeback, something like, 'What a way with women you have,' or something like, 'Goodness, did hell just freeze over while I wasn't looking?' But oh? God, now all he had to think was that he could come into her room she'd lie down for him?
"That was your first kiss?" he laughed, panting slightly.
"My personal business is none of your concern. And goodness, I certainly didn't think a kiss would be like that." She walked up to him, kissed him politely on the cheek and walked up to the stairs to the third corridor. She went straight into her study, pausing only long enough to let Seshat and Amun trot through the door to join her. "Good God, I just kissed the guy whom I have previously known as 'the Jerk.' Am I that shallow you guys?" she asked the dogs, who just stared at her quizzically. She laughed, "You betcha."
But this scroll is the whole reason I'm here. It's the whole reason my world as I know it, and the worlds of those around me is falling into shambles. She turned to her notebook, and flipped through a few pages of notes. Then, something caught her eye. It was the same riddle she had started translating almost two weeks ago. The riddle to the location of Mana Ka'reph. "Look for us in the city of the Living, O Goddess of Light and nurturing. We will be hidden in the farthest sanctum in the deepest eye of the brightest light. From there you will seek the Embodiment of Fallen Allies, and fight the Entities among them. Only you who is righteous and just may enter our sacred resting place and retrieve the blade with which to exact the laws of the gods." It showed up several times after it was first introduced, becoming a regular pattern. The scroll said that they would be city of the Living, which had to be Thebes. But wait, she remembered distinctly there had been a team of archaeologists excavating in Thebes. What if they were looking for the Rapier as well? It seemed too coincidental a connection. Both teams had started digging around the same time. At that time, Yume Shinkirou Industries became a big player in international economics. That probably meant that Yume Shinkirou Industries was funding the dig in Thebes. She flipped open her laptop, and got into the site for IECI. She entered in her faculty name and password, and then brought up a list of all dig sites on an international scale. Red dots popped up all over several countries. The most were in Britain, France, South America, and Egypt. They had been working on rebuilding and researching castles in Britain, and looking for lost Aztec pyramids in the South American countries. But by far the most in a single country belonged to Egypt, where researchers, adventurers, and archaeologists conglomerate together to search and solve the ancient mysteries inside the pyramids. There was a team right now documenting and researching a tomb filled with over one thousand mummified cats located in Bubastis, the city of Bastet. The tomb was decorated with scenes of Bast, or Bastet, and also with several scenes of Sekhmet, or maybe Bastet when she was still the lion- headed goddess. So the question had remained that was this Pharaoh's homage to the goddess of war, or a tomb created by the peasants to please the goddess of the affectionate creatures they loved so dearly. It was a strange and wondrous world, the land of ancient Egypt, and she wished she could have been there to witness it. Finally, she typed in the keys, E-G-Y- P-T, and the map enlarged the country, bringing it up to fuller detail. She saw the dig at Mando Nashti'ora, and the fellow dig up higher in Thebes. She selected it, and a message box came up. It read,
TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD. She did as it told but this time an error box came up on the screen.
INCORRECT NAME AND PASSWORD, PLEASE VERIFY AGAIN. She retyped it in again, but the same error message came up again. There had to be a backdoor somewhere. She double-clicked and pressed CTRL B, and another box came up. REQUESTING ENTRANCE? She pressed YES, and a box appeared, TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD. "Damn it. So much for plan B." She went back to her list and searched for files. The box read TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD, but this time when she did it, it allowed her to look through files. There was nothing that really piqued her interest, so she chose "Special Search." The dirty rat bastard that did this had to put in some sort of loophole. She searched for a filename, "white rabbit." To her surprise, three white rabbit files came up. They were,
whit_rbbit3219
white_rabbit_MM
whit_rbt_lucky_8
She looked at the names. Each was a loophole, but each made incredibly little sense. Then, something clicked in her mind. "M" was a Roman numeral for one thousand, a millennium. MM was two thousand; about the equivalent amount of years it had been that the Dark Mistress had been kept hidden away. It was worth a shot. She selected it, and up popped a diamond shape, in an emerald color. Its glow flickered, and the kanji for Yume Shinkirou glowed a bright pale green color then it faded away. Information poured out about the scroll and its contents. A woman's voice barked from across the screen, "Who is it now?" Rena jumped back, shutting off the screen. Amun stood up and sniffed for the person and thing that could have spoken. Seshat whimpered, and rubbed her head against Rena's leg. That settled it. Yume Shinkirou Industries was behind all of this, and could even be a connection to the Daughter of Seth. She hooked a printer cable to her computer, and printed off the information about the dig in Thebes. She'd show this to Seto later. She turned back to the scroll, and looked through her notebook. There were about twenty pages left of a one hundred-page notebook. "Where was I last at?" She looked through the scroll, trying to find her place. She skimmed through line after line, looking until she reached the end. "Wait!" she bolted up. "I am done!" She jumped into the air, four weeks of the worst Hell in a stuffy study full of gloom and mysteries unsolved with akuma in a black trench coat. But now, it was done. Seshat and Amun sensed her happiness, and jumped up and barked excitedly. She grabbed Amun's paws and they jumped in a circle. "You guys, I'm done!" she laughed, falling to her knees.
"Thank Isis and Ptah god of the written language." She had wondered, sitting there, confused and annoyed, what she could have done to be punished in this hell of knowledge. There was a knock on the door. "Are you okay, Rena?" Mokuba asked from the outside.
"I'm fine kiddo. I finished the scroll. It's both transliterated and translated!" she said.
"Translita-what?" He asked, wrinkling his nose in bewilderment.
"Transliterate-it's the term for making sense of these little marks and squiggles."
"Yeah! I'm so glad for you Rena-chan!" He laughed. She picked him up and swung him around. "Where's your brother?" she asked.
"I don't know. I think he's in the gym," Mokuba said.
"You guys have a gym here too?" Rena asked, amazed.
"We have a lot of stuff here. It's not a big deal," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Come on, I'll show you."
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He tore at the punching bag with all his might. He paused to wipe sweat from his brow, and then continued with his rampage on the gray punching bag before him. He always liked to punch his problems away. Maybe that was because he had a violent nature. Yes, it was that violent nature that was the base of his problems. But he liked having problems. If his problems kept people away, they would never see what he was really like. They would not see how much he pined just to see his parents again. The most powerful man in the world just wanted to see his parents one more time. But wishes were reckless, and never fit to come true. If there was a God, he must have had a sense of humor to let him live on the way he did. Sometimes, he had thought death would be the easy way out. But he was Seto Kaiba, and Seto Kaiba never took the easy way out. He jumped back, and brought up his left leg, and with a searing rip, the bag split open, and sand spread all over the room. Sand like Egypt. Egypt like the Millennium Rapier. The Millennium Rapier like Goddess. The Goddess like Rena. All of his thoughts seemed to lead to her.
He turned to the butler standing in the corner, "Put another one up, Regius." The butler nodded obediently, and pushed a button on a remote control. A small machine rolled up what looked like a cross between a golf cart and a forklift condensed by about three feet. On the prongs was another bag, and with a soft whir, it was lifted by the fork up to the chain on which it was held. At this point, Regius walked up with a stepladder and connected the chain on the bag to the chain on the ceiling.
"Hmm," Seto said, putting a hand on his chin, "I'll have to find a way to connect those chains to save time."
"Very good Master Kaiba," the butler agreed. "Shall I get you anything else?"
"No, that's all." Then as an afterthought, he added, "Thanks."
"Very good sir," the butler said, not letting his surprise at the nicety show.
Seto turned back to the bag, and gave it a mighty right uppercut. The impact left a print in the side of the bag. He kept hitting left, right, left, right. He didn't bother stopping, this kind of exercise never really tired him out. It thrilled him, filled him with a therapeutic anger.
"Brother? Are you in here?" Mokuba asked. He came in the door and smiled. "Rena has something to tell you!"
She burst in the door, "Seto, I-" she stopped, her mouth dropped open. He turned to face her, and she nearly dropped on the spot. She had never seen him like.this before. He stood tall and proud, shirtless in a pair of very loose shorts. Sweat dripped from his body, and his hands were wrapped in bandage gauze. His hair, wet with salt, dripped in his face, his eyes were blazing and alert, and his lips were set in a casual frown. It quite took her breath away.
"You what?" he asked, leaning slightly against the punching bag behind him.
"I finished the scroll," she whispered, watching him walk around the bag. He flung his fist deep into its side.
"You what?" he near shouted.
"The scroll, it's finished. We can find the Rapier!" she cried, regaining her voice.
He grabbed a towel and water bottle. The towel he draped across his neck, and the water he flung into his face before taking a long drink. "We'll leave as soon as possible. I can arrange for a chopper to be here by tomorrow."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up and rewind. Tomorrow? Are you forgetting, that someone in her time of weakness conditioned her body out of fighting? Yeah," she said.
"It's going to be a problem, that's for sure," he sighed, turning around and punching the bag. Sweat flew off his hair from the jolting impact. It dripped onto the floor, and he sat down. "Meet me in here tomorrow. Mana Ka'reph is as good as ours."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. There's another site, up in Thebes, and it's owned by Yume Shinkirou Industries," she said, kneeling down by him.
"So?" he looked at her, unsure of her point.
"Thebes is right where Mana Ka'reph is. They're probably digging in that area in hopes of finding the entrance," she said, falling on her rear.
"But we have the scroll."
"You're right, we do, but that isn't necessarily going to stop them from trying to find our treasure, archaeologists are rigorous, efficient, and damn good at what they do. I speak from experience," she said, glaring at him intensely. He shifted his gaze; he didn't want to admit she was right.
"So we've got to haul some serious ass."
"That would be my presumption," she smirked, standing up to leave. "Oh and by the way," she added, "the party's in three hours and you haven't got a thing to wear."
"Are you really dressing up?" he asked, rolling his eyes in embarrassment.
"It is a costume party," she retorted.
"Fine then, are you going as what I think you are?" he asked.
"And what do you think I'm going as?" she grinned. (Think Lara Craft holier-than-thou grin, and you've got Rena.)
"Akhten-He-Shesat."
"Then that shows how little you really know about me," she smiled, "I'm going to try and forget some of my stress, I don't need to be reminded of the thing that I fear most." Her smile faded into a dark expression. "I'm not ready for this, and the time has come that I must be." She walked out, not saying another word.
"Damn. Why's she so stubborn?" Seto asked. Mokuba and Regius shrugged their shoulders. Seto screamed as he rammed his elbow into the side of the bag. It puckered, and exploded open. "Shit," he snarled as sand coated his sweat-covered body.
Regius coughed, and said, "I'll get the shower ready for you Master Seto."
"That was the third bag you've broken today," Mokuba said, "You really need to cut it out. I'm going to die of an asthma attack."
"You're pretty smart for an eleven-year-old."
"I learn from the best, oniichan," he smiled innocently, and ran out of the room before Seto could say anything more.
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"Do we have an agreement, gentlemen?" the man asked.
"Of course," the man on the other side of the table took a heavy drag off his Cuban cigar.
"Wonderful," the man said, running a hand through his slick, greasy hair.
"Of course, but what is so very meaningful about a party?" Cigar man asked.
"My good gentleman," Greasy hair started, "this is not just any party, but a corporate party. Fifty of the richest CEO's and stockholders will be there. It's an opportunity not worth missing, my good man."
"I see. Then of course it's a deal. My men will be there," Cigar spoke with all the charm of a used car salesman.
"Good. I will make sure you get your sixty percent. As for myself, I will have the great pleasure of seeing Yume Shinkirou's illustriousness dragged through the mud," Greasy hair stood up and straightened his rental-quality suit, and gave the man smoking his cigar a deep bow. Cigar man returned it stiffly, and walked out to his own private limo, and the driver waited for him to get inside. He did finally manage to position his squat, ape-like body somewhat comfortably inside, and the driver slammed the door on the limo, and drove off down the road.
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"Oni, you had better have learned from your failure," the Dark Mistress played with the wine in her hand, swishing it slightly in her chalice.
Oni bowed deeply, and groveled, "Oh yes, your Darkness. Oni has learned-"
"Silence!" she roared, "I gave you no permission to speak!" Oni flinched, and threw himself upon the floor. "But," she grinned maliciously, "we have to make sure you don't ever fail again." She looked to Fukushuu, "Would you agree, my pet?" Fukushuu laughed, a bone-chilling, raspy sound and nodded, grinning his seductive crocodile smile.
"Now, how to punish you." She snapped her fingers, dropping the glass. She shouted, "Hesf becket bekert shesh yon gerten rekverty!" Oni screamed as his body cracked and the sound of splintering bone was heard. White-hot pain coursed through his limbs and chest. His skull felt like it would tear apart in a searing spear of agony, and a crucifix appeared before his mangled body. "My favorite method of torture," she laughed. She balled her hand into fists, and when she released it, four scarabs and a scorpion appeared in her hand. She released them, and they rushed toward Oni's body. The demon screamed in pure fear as the creatures crawled toward him. He beat his head against the crucifix he was lashed onto, as the bugs made their way up the cross. "No, Mistress, I beg of you!" he cried. The scarabs crawled into his skin as he struggled in his bonds.
The scorpion stung repeatedly, thirsty to inject its poison. Finally, the crucifix alighted into flames and the Mistress laughed long and loud.
"Maybe you'll get lucky Oni, and the fire will destroy them before it destroys you!" She laughed maniacally and sadistically.
Finally, she snapped her fingers and everything, the fire, the crucifix, and the creatures all disappeared. Everything except for the pain. Oni curled into the fetal position, whimpering and sniveling.
"That's better. Now maybe next time you'll think about coming back after failure," she called. "Now," she turned to Fukushuu, "we had better prepare for tonight. Whatever should I wear?" she laughed, and glided back into the mortal world, but before exiting completely, she snapped, "Have my trap ready, or your fate will be far more severe than Oni's."
"Yes Mistress." She came into an elegant room, where several maids were already waiting on her. They rushed into a wardrobe, and she thought to herself the wonderful way in which she would torture the goddess. But, something puzzled her, who had contacted her today. Whoever it was had not been one of her servants.
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"I'm not wearing this," he said, looking at Rena. "There is no way in bloody hell."
"You have to Seto," she pleaded.
"I'm not."
"But you look great."
"People will think I'm gay."
"You're not. You look like a pirate," she insisted. She thought he did. Not a Captain Hook kind of pirate. More like a debonair Gene Kelley pirate from the movie, "The Pirate." Seto was wearing a loose white blouse-like top with a scarlet bandana. He was also sporting black breeches with black pirate boots and a sword.
"No."
"Please?"
"Hell no."
"What do you want to do then? Put on a tux, and strut around saying 'Tuxedo ala Smoking Bomber?'"
"That is not funny. Not in the least. And besides, you haven't chosen a costume yet. What are you going as, Akhten?"
"You already asked me that, and my answer's still the same. I'm staying away from the whole Egyptian thing. And who ever heard of a blonde Egyptian?" she said, running a hand through her hair.
"When we get back," Seto smiled, "remind me to introduce you to Malik Ishtar."
"Who?" she asked.
"Another Millennium Item carrier."
"Oh."
"I'm leaving," he said, turning into his closet to change.
"Why? I love it!" She exclaimed.
"I feel.like I'm going to kill," he scowled.
"See? You're in the pirate motif already!"
"Hold on. I've got a better idea," he said, turning into the closet. "He came back out wearing a long back overcoat with a silver studded vest. His shirt on underneath was black with a v-cut, and he had on black crew pants with motorcycle boots.
"Wow! You look just like Neo!" she cried.
"Neo?" he asked, puzzled. "Who's Neo?"
"You've never seen The Matrix?" she asked.
"Never."
"That is our first point of order tomorrow."
"I thought our first point of order was training you," he said, cocking an eyebrow.
"It'll help me get in the mood for violence," she smiled. "Never mind, I've got my costume now!" She ran out, leaving Seto to try and sort out what has just happened exactly. Five minutes later, she came back.
He blinked disbelievingly, "What exactly are you?"
"I'm the chick from The Matrix. Not the one who always wore white, she died. I mean the one who got Neo in the end," she said. She was wearing a long duster coat with a black strap tanktop, tight, black leather pants. Her hair was pulled back neatly, and her stiletto-heeled boots were polished.
"So, she killed him?" he asked.
"No, they fell in love dipshit. It happens in every movie. Her name was Trinity."
"Dipshit?"
"You need to brush up on your gaijin."
"Oh gomen. I feel like such a fool." Obviously it did not faze him to care just exactly what a dipshit was.
"You are so absolutely-.never mind. We still need our masks," she said, rubbing her temple slightly. He noticed she was wearing black leather gloves. She dug in her pocket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses, which hid her eyes completely, and left her face blank.
"Very nice, but that's not exactly a mask," Seto said.
"So? These outfits are millennium, not some 13th century façade," she said, turning her nose up and sniffing pettily.
"Clever," he said, taking a pair of glasses and throwing them on. "Well, shall we be going?"
"Of course," she said, putting on her glasses. They strode out, down into the main entryway. Mokuba looked at them.
"Wow," he breathed. "Where are you guys going?"
"A masquerade," Seto replied simply.
"Can I come? I've never been to a masquerade," he pleaded.
"Let's settle this like businessmen, little brother," Seto said. "If you agree to stay here, I'll let you have a masquerade of your own here." He held up his hands, "Compromise?"
"Will Yuugi and his friends be invited?" he asked.
Seto looked pained, and his left eye twitched a little, but still he answered, "Yes."
"All right then. It's a deal," Mokuba held his hand out and Seto shook it.
He looked to Rena, "Come on." She nodded, and stepped out the door behind him. He looked her up and down; she really was gorgeous with the moonlight shining on her face. But he shook his head, and said, "It's an hour to Duelist Kingdom by helicopter, let's get going."
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She looked around at the fools who had actually come to this party. It was laughable. They were all dressed up, just as the invitation had requested. She was dressed up herself. She wore a long, sleek gown of black and lined with ermine. She had a tiara set against her forehead carved from emerald so dark it looked black. And that was her costume name, Rile. She wore a heavy chain around her neck of braided gold, but the crest of Seth hung off it. No one here would know the full meaning of it, but the goddess would recognize it when she saw it. But by then it would be too late. Her demons were in disguise everywhere. Even Oni was standing in a corner, disguised as a human police officer. Finally, she felt her spirit stir the goddess had arrived. She saw them walk in. They were both dressed in the same fashion, all in black, except for the priest, who had a silver vest. They didn't acknowledge either person, but instead walked in cool and didn't look at each other. She wondered if they were expecting this trap.
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"Seto Kaiba! Is that you my boy?" a man walked up to Seto and slapped him on the back. He was dressed as King Henry VIII, and played the part well, right down to the beerbelly stomach. He held a goblet of wine in his hand, which basically kept him busy because he spent so much time drinking from it, and then calling to a waiter to refill it again.
"I'm fine, Hoshiguro-san. I see you've been well," Seto smirked.
Hoshiguro eyed Rena, "Well, Seto, I never thought you'd be able to do it!" He laughed and slapped Seto on the shoulder again.
"Do what, Hoshiguro-san?" he asked, turning to Rena, and then back to Hoshiguro.
"I never thought I'd see the day when you were with a woman. And such a pretty one, too. I always knew you had a liking for the model types," he said laughing again, and raising his hand to cuff Seto on the back again, but this time Seto moved out of the way, and Hoshiguro's hand hit air.
"She's just working for me, Hoshiguro-san. This is my graphologist, Rena Campbelle," he said introducing them. "Miss Campbelle, this is Hoshiguro Iso, CEO of Mitsubishi Corporations."
"Nice to meet you," she smiled. "Whoa, is that who I think it is?" she asked.
"I'll see you, Hoshiguro-san," Seto said, turning away from him, and catching up to Rena, who was crossing the floor to another person.
"Fine, fine!" Hoshiguro laughed, and signaled the waiter. "You! Yes, you there! Waiter, more wine!" Seto rolled his eyes and laughed as the big man waddled after the waiter, waving his cup in the air. He joined up with Rena, "What's the matter?"
"Is that." she asked.
"Oh, that's the CEO for Microsoft. Bill Gates, right?" he said. The man turned around, "Ah, Seto Kaiba! I was wondering if you had been invited! What are you dressed as?"
"Supposedly Neo from The Matrix."
"And you completely look the part," Gates said, and then turned to Rena and shook her hand. "And who is your lovely guest?"
"Rena Campbelle, my company graphologist," Seto said, introducing them quickly. He didn't like this scrawny weasel of a man, and usually avoided meetings with him at all costs. He was more of a dog than Jounochi. He just wore a silk, Italian tuxedo with a mask. He probably found it beneath him to even wear a costume. He turned around but Rena was gone, already on her way to meet a new couple. These were dressed as Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
He raced over to her, but it was too late. She was already spewing facts and naming inconsistencies by the time he got there. The couple looked slightly appalled. He recognized them as the fuufu of a law firm in France, but didn't know them well enough to be in acquaintance with them.
"Did you know Cleopatra was not-" She was cut short by Seto putting a hand over her mouth.
"Gomen nasai, I hope she didn't bother you too much. I just hired her from Egypt, and she's quite a know-it-all," he apologized.
"Excuse me? A know-it-all?" she snapped, but was broken off by the French woman.
"Pardon le moi? Did you say from Egypt?" she said.
"Yeah," Rena said.
"Oh! How fascinating! Could you tell us more, si'l vous plait?"
"Of course," Rena laughed, blushing a little.
"Merci, but we should be going," the man said, steering his wife by the shoulder to the snack line. She yelled at him speaking in rapid French, and finally, he gave in and she walked back over to Rena and Seto.
"I am Anisse Devour, part of Devour & Devour Law. We're in Paris. Here is, how do you say it? My card," she handed Rena a card, outlined in filigree, and printed in Kunstler calligraphy. "Now, tell me about Egypt."
"Well, it's really, really hot. And very dry."
"I know, I know, but what do you do all day?"
"Dig."
"Pardon?"
"I dig all day. We haven't found much at our site, but there was one trunk loaded with jewelry that we found. Most of its contents are probably going to be sold to museums across the world?" At the mention on ancient jewelry Cleopatra's French counterpart raised her eyebrows. Jewelry always piqued her interest, no matter what kind.
"Have you found any mummies?"
"No, but did you know that the country of France holds one of the first Pharaonic mummies to leave the country of Egypt?" she asked.
Anisse brightened, "Really?"
"Yes, you have the mummy of Ramsses II," she said.
"Oh, you will have to tell me more. We should talk again sometime," Anisse said, "But I have to go. I hope to hear from you again. Aurevoir!"
"Right," Rena smiled. She turned to Seto, "Goodness, I thought it would never end." He laughed and they walked over the refreshments table. She snatched a glass of brandy from the passing waiter, and finished it in a drink.
"Impressive, aren't I?" she said when she caught the look Seto gave her.
"You're as bad a drinker as I am."
"I'll take that as a compliment," she laughed. "From you, it's the closest thing to one."
He walked over to the bar, and looked through the drinks, pretending he didn't hear what Rena had just said. He finally chose a sherry Bourbon, and poured himself a tall glass of it. He downed it rather quickly, and turned back to face Rena, who raised her eyebrow curiously. He would have laughed, if he hadn't seen who was coming up behind her. He nearly choked on his
Bourbon when the he saw her. It was none other than Tenshino Konton, in a sleek, long dress with a terribly low cut neck. She was a very beautiful woman, maybe even prettier than Rena.
Rena heard a voice behind her, making her jump, "How are you enjoying my party?" The voice was sickly sweet, and dripping with charm. But she hinted something else, but she couldn't place her finger on just what it was. She faced the stranger, and was rather shocked at just how striking she was. Her hair was long, and strangely silver, and it shone with an unnatural iridescence. There were subdued black streaks running through her hair; they matched the black crown on her head. It was set in stones darker than charcoal, but more resilient than diamonds. She wondered what they were. Her dress was long and black, and the neck was very low-cut, maybe too low-cut, a good deal of her breasts was showing. The gown itself was lined in ermine, and gave it a more respectful appearance. She looked not much older than she was, and her eyes glittered a malicious green, like two set emeralds.
Rena felt a shiver down her back, this woman really creeped her out. But what bothered her the most was the thick chain of braided gold around her neck, much like the one Andre had given her. An emblem was attached to it, but she couldn't identify just what it was, even though it was terribly familiar to her.
'I've seen that before,' she thought.
"You've seen what before?" the woman asked.
Rena jumped back, horribly startled, "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes," the woman smiled, showing a string of pearly white teeth. "You said, 'I've seen that before.' Do you not remember?"
"I guess not," Rena muttered.
The woman smiled again, "I'm Tenshino Konton, the one who threw this wonderful party. It is wonderful, don't you think?"
She decided to be polite, and responded, "Oh yes, very wonderful! I've had an excellent time."
"That's perfect. And who do I have the pleasure of acquainting? Seto Kaiba's guest? I saw you two walk in together."
"Oh yes, we decided to come together. My name's Rena Campbelle. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," Konton smiled with her dripping charm. Rena smiled at her again, hoping that this would soon be over. They both had masked obvious distaste of the other, though Rena couldn't exactly tell why she didn't like this person, when there were so very many who did. Seto walked up behind her and whispered something in her ear, "That's Tenshino Konton, the CEO of Yume Shinkirou Industries."
"So I noticed," Rena hissed.
"Fraternizing with the enemy?" he asked.
She excused herself from Konton's company, and led Seto over to the refreshment table. "Is there any time in this whole damn world you are not egotistical, patronizing, cruel, and sarcastic?"
"Please, flattery will get you nowhere."
"Don't make me slap you again," she said, raising a hand threateningly.
"Yes, and I hope you remember what happened when you last hit me," he near laughed.
Rena dropped her hand and stared at him, "Who slobbered on whom?"
This time he did laugh, "What a way with words you have!"
"They're no better than yours." She turned around, and saw that people had started staring at them now, she bowed apologetically, and turned back to face Seto Kaiba, "We'll continue this elsewhere."
"Sounds good to me." He had noticed the attention their dispute was getting, and he was starting to get an uneasy feeling.
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"One hour men," a commando-attired man told about a dozen other men. All were dressed in black, each armed with handguns and rifles, and each shared an expression as though they had eaten a weasel doused in mucus. Their leader checked his watch to double-check on the time, and nodded to another man. They would launch their attack against Yume Shinkirou Industries before anyone knew what was happening. Their leader pushed a small red button on the side of his watch, and waited for the returning signal that meant it would be time.
-------
A man looked down at his watch a small, digital sign blinked 1hr, 1hr, 1hr. The man could not help but snicker a little bit as he ran his hand through his grease coated hair. Not much longer, and Tenshino Konton would be no longer. Pity, she was one the most beautiful women he had ever seen. If he had his way, he would have fucked her brains out before she was brutally murdered by supposed terrorists. 'What we want, and what we get are two different things,' he thought to himself.
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"Seto, what's the matter?" Rena asked. "You don't look well."
"I've got a bad feeling. I don't know what, it just seems like something is going to happen. I think Konton is planning something," he said.
"I know she's planning something," Rena commented. "I don't trust her at all, and the necklace she's wearing your not going to find anywhere in Tokyo. I've seen it before, I know it's Egyptian, but I can't quite make much of it." She ran a hand through her golden-brown hair.
Seto smirked, "Well, whatever's going to happen is going to happen soon. I hate to be kept waiting."
"Well, gee, that's the spirit!" Rena laughed. She looked over to the dance floor, and got an idea. Several couples were already out there, and in her mind, Seto still owed her a dance from the one she offered him in New York.
"Let's go have some fun!" she laughed, and grabbed his hand and pulled him out on the dance floor.
"Rena, stop it," he said, pulling her hands away from his neck, and walking off. She was about to chase after him when she suddenly stopped, fallen, rigid to her knees. "Seto," she cried, but her voice halted, and retreated back.
He turned back to see Rena sitting on the floor, panting and heavy. A cold sweat ran down her forehead.
"What' the matter?" He asked, running back to her.
"She's here, oh god. Oh god, oh god, oh god." He lifted her to her feet. She tried to stand, but her knees wobbled, and she gripped his shoulder for support. She looked at him, eyes wide in fear. "There are too many, we'll never take them. We don't stand a chance." Her vision swum, and turned black at the edges.
Seto looked at Rena, who was obviously suffering. A thick dread filled up his stomach, working it's way up into his throat in a tight knot. He swallowed it down, "Who's here?"
"Horus be with us. It's the Black Mistress. The Daughter of Seth, in the room. She's showing herself. She was with us all along. Oh, Horus, Isis, and Amun protect us." She remembered the necklace around Konton's neck. The emblem of the dark priesthood. They were the worshippers who praised this god of oblivion, and helped him to create his goddess daughter. Tenshino Konton was not just a follower; she was the Daughter of Seth.
Rena fell back but Seto caught her. "All these innocents," she whispered, "They're going to die."
"Not if we can help it," Seto said. He noticed the police officer from Egypt that he had seen in the parking lot, slither into a dark corner of the room.
Tenshino smiled as her demons crawled away as discreetly as they could into various corners and alcoves. People were starting to gather around the goddess, who had fallen back on the floor, and was looking as alarmed and scared as a young deer. She glided down from the top of the staircase, and walked up beside Rena.
"Why, what is the matter, here?" She said, and then looked down at Rena. Fighting the overpowering urge to kick the helpless goddess, she made a half-smile, and helped Rena to stand.
Rena froze as the woman touched her arm, sending waves of ice-cold compassionless waves flowed from her arm into her entire body. She felt empty, and wondered if some of that coldness had transferred into Seto.
"I've got it," Seto nearly spat. "I think we'll be leaving early."
But as he said this, the doors to the entryway burst open, and about twenty heavily armed men ran in, firing at the ceiling.
"What is happening here?" Tenshino Konton screamed. "You are not of my own." Rage filled inside her, these mortals were ruining her plan! One of the men ran over and held a gun to her throat.
"Everyone down, and no one will die!" Their leader screamed, firing more shots at the ceiling. Everyone fell down onto the ground. She saw Toshihiro-san shuddering and she nearly laughed at the sight. He looked like a beached whale, screaming it's last cries. She stifled the giggle considering their situation, and looked at the very disgruntled Konton on the floor.
"How dare you ruin my plan?" Konton screamed as the leader pressed his gun to her neck.
Seto leaned Rena against him, whispering in her ear, "We handled zombies, and I think we can take these guys."
"Are you crazy?" she whispered back, "And what do you mean, we?"
"Let's not start that. On the count of three, take out the big guy."
"Uh, which one."
"The one next to the leader, stupid."
"Excuse me for living." She huffed.
Seto could have laughed at her uncanny sarcasm, but other things were occupying his mind. "All right, one.two." He set Rena on her feet, and cried, "Three!"
They both launched themselves at two guards, taking them out. Seto tackled the leader, and knocked him out with a swipe on the jaw. Tenshino Konton went flying out of his grasp, and landed in an awkward position on the floor.
Rena kicked her opponent neatly on the shin. One man fired at her.
"Sorry I have to kill you," she apologized to her current opponent, grabbing him by the shoulders and thrusting him into the path of the bullet. Amazed by her aptness to kill people, she grabbed his handgun, and took out two more men. She felt the goddess bubbling under her conscious. She tried to suppress it, while she sent a good kick into another man's head.
"See, how hard was that?" Seto said, laughing. Six men lay dead at his feet. She felt the goddess, pressing in her consciousness, and Rena looked to where her attention lay. Another terrorist a few feet from her was firing his gun. Everything seemed to stop as she jumped up, the bullet missing her by inches, and sped up again when she crashed into his skull.
"That was nice," Seto commented as he knocked the wind out a guy with a long, tube-like weapon that Rena guessed was a flamethrower.
Finally, Akhten coursed into Rena's mind, taking over her bodily controls.
You're ridiculous. She quipped, running their body straight into four men. They each fell one by one, dead before they hit the ground.
How'd you do that? She asked the spirit in her head.
Energy produced by the power of light. They're no good, they were killed faster. She said, as though murder could almost be a profession.
A profession? Isn't that what you call an assassin? She asked, reading Rena's mind like a book.
Hey, stay out of my head! I don't invade your thoughts! Rena cried inwardly.
Look out! The goddess cried, raising their hands to block another attacker. A sick crunch was heard. The man staggered away, clutching his arm, which was bent in abnormal angle.
Did I do that? Or was that you? Rena asked in her mind, but the goddess' attention was elsewhere. Without knowing what happened her body was whirled around, presumably by Akhten, and turned to face another person as her complete transformation to the goddess overwhelmed her senses. There was a pressure behind her eyelids as they became darker, more intense than Rena's carefree happiness. Her hair grew out past her waist, dripping golden-silver to her feet like water. Her outfit molded around her, and her skin turned several shades darker. But instead of the same silky thin garments that she had worn before, they were replaced with a low hanging, black halter-top. The sleeves on her current coat melted away, leaving a fringe around her shoulders, and her pants melted away to reveal her shapely legs and stopped just short of underwear cut. Her boots crawled up her legs, stopping at her thighs. She felt the thick necklace Andre gave her materialize around her neck, and a choker appeared on her throat. The mark of Horus glimmered briefly on her forehead before disappearing. Inside their body, Rena was going spastic.
What do you think you're doing? She cried.
I'm taking over to get this job done. The goddess replied swiftly, turning their body to deliver a lethal kick to another armed attacker.
But what happened to the other body, the one used to battle Shitto? She asked as the goddess turned to finish off another guard.
I've been thinking. You don't know it, of course, but I decided to modernize our look. And didn't I do a good job? She commended herself.
What can I call you? Rena asked, And when will I get control of my body back?
Megami. It's easier to say then my real name, and Akhten it isn't. That's your name, other half. The goddess replied.
And you still have your body. If you want control you can get it. That is, if you're the one who wants to kill all these people.
So you are the goddess. Rena sighed.
Was there ever any doubt in your mind? She replied.
No, I guess not. But I have a question.
What's that?
What people are you intending to kill? Megami opened their eyes and looked around. All twenty or so terrorists either lay dead, unconscious, or injured on the floor.
"Rena?" Seto asked from across the room. "You going to be okay?" He walked over to her and did a double take. "Who are you?" He demanded.
"I'm Rena."
"No, you're not. Rena isn't that dark, and she doesn't dress like that," he said, cocking a curious eyebrow to the current outfit they were in. With a sigh, they detransformed, and Rena fell to her knees. "Seto, I'm tired."
"We'll get you back and you can sleep all you want," he supplied, helping to her feet.
"No, I-" She broke off as a tremendous wave of fatigue hit her, and dragged her down into slumber. The next day she awoke to the face of Yami, gazing down at her uncertainly.
~Junsui No Aku
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Make sure to read and review, thanks to those of you who have! I can't think of a poll, but I would like to advertise for Spin the Bottle, Yu-Gi-Oh! Style. Sayonara!
Episode Eight: Truth of Evil, Masquerade into Darkness!
A/N: Whoa! Sorry about the format, the original does NOT look like that! I'll be a lot more careful when updating! Yipe! Wowie! I'm already on Chapter Eight! We're at the halfway mark, folks, and who'da thunk it? This chapter really is just to let us in on Yume Shinkirou Industries, and I wanted to add something really cool into one of my chapters. So, I was reading my Sailor Moon Manga #1, and in it, Usagi, Ami, and Rei all go to a palace undercover at a masquerade ball. So, I had to put one in my story too! Come on, masquerades are simply the coolest things to go to, especially ones with themes. So, it's a costume masquerade ball! Yeah! I'm having way too much fun. Just to let all of you know, the Egyptian facts I've been putting in here, I've not been making up. The only thing that isn't crystal fact, are the Yu-Gi-Oh excerpts I've been putting in.
And as far as Yu-Gi-Oh! goes, everything's been right so far! I know I've said this a bazillion times, but it's time for the legal blah.
Disclaimer: Umm, I don't feel like writing a long and complex disclaimer, so I'll just put it this way: I don't own Yu-Gi-Oh! Well said, if I do say so myself.
P.S. Thanks for all reviews; you know I love 'em! Also, as a note, ever since I started looking up the definition of Mary-Sue, I have been freaking out about how to change Rena into something away from Mary-Sue. But you know what? I'm tired of it. This is the fourth time I have rewritten this chapter, and now I've decided to continue regardless of public opinion. There are people who love my story, and I'm going to continue with it come what may.
P.S.S. Japanese lesson, crazy as it sounds, fuufu= husband and wife
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"A masquerade?" she gazed at the invitation written in flawless calligraphy.
"It's suspicious, I know," Seto said.
Rena frowned, and read the invitation again,
"Dear Seto Kaiba, I must request upon your presence on October 9th, to celebrate my company, Yume Shinkirou Industries', successful season. It is with much pleasure that I invite you to the former Duelists' Kingdom, where I have prepared a masquerade gala. To my ball, I request you bring a single guest to share the evenings' festivities with. I also ask you to wear a costume, as this is the month of Hallow's Eve. Thank you ever so much, My best regards, Tenshino Konton"
It almost seems genuine," she remarked, "but uncannily curious." Seto threw her a glance and looked back to the invite.
"What I'd like to know is how they got the Duelist Island. It seems." she trailed off.
"Strange and peculiar. Tenshino Konton is up to something," he finished. The CEO of Yume Shinkirou Industries was planning to throw a costume masquerade ball in honor of their success.
"It's got to have something to do with the Millennium Rapier," she said, gazing into space.
"That's my presumption."
"So, it could be dangerous," she said.
"That's my conjecture."
"You're not really helping," she sighed, throwing her pencil at him. It bounced off his chest and clattered to the floor.
"I don't trust this, not at all. But we have to risk it if it's going to involve the Rapier," he said.
"What do you mean 'we?'" she asked.
"You really don't think you're going with me?" he said condescendingly.
"No, I know I'm going with you. But this is not going to be any fun," she smiled.
"It's not supposed to be."
"You don't go to many parties do you?"
"Oh no, I go tons. Every day."
"Why are you such a wiseass?"
"Why are you such a pain in the ass?"
"That's it!" she cried. She ran and tackled him, pinning him to the floor. "I'm so sick of your attitude!" She slapped him across the face.
"Get off, now," he snarled. He surged up and she fell off, rolling onto the floor. He pinned her facedown, and wedged her arms into her sides. "I win," he smirked. She kicked her legs up, hitting him in the chest. "Ow, chikusho onna, you kick like a donkey." He let go of her and stood up.
Rena rolled over, moaning, "That hurt, you son of a musume."
"Not as much as this will," he said. He brought her face into his and crushed his lips down onto hers, their teeth clicking against one another's. She nearly fell back in surprise; she had not expected that to be coming. She admitted to herself this wasn't fun, but a pang in her heart made her weak. Were her knees weak? They felt that way, but it had been so long since they had she had forgotten the feeling. This man, this man she considered to be only a friend, was arousing her, and they had known each other for how long?
Seto nearly laughed at his gumption to kiss Rena, and probably would have had he not been so preoccupied. But really, he hadn't even expected himself to kiss her. Sure, she was gorgeous but she had an attitude when she was aggravated, and a quiet reserved air, especially around him, so kissing her? It surprised him that he had even gone so far as to put his lips on hers the way he did. She was just a kind of.a kind of fling, wasn't she? He had thought so at first. But she had been so non- conformative, so out of the line, and he found it enticing. But to his greatest surprise of all, Rena Campbelle kissed him back.
"Oh," she said, touching her lips, which ached a little from the intensity of the kiss. "That wasn't much for a first kiss." She mentally slapped herself, oh? That's all you could say, just oh? Why not a clever comeback, something like, 'What a way with women you have,' or something like, 'Goodness, did hell just freeze over while I wasn't looking?' But oh? God, now all he had to think was that he could come into her room she'd lie down for him?
"That was your first kiss?" he laughed, panting slightly.
"My personal business is none of your concern. And goodness, I certainly didn't think a kiss would be like that." She walked up to him, kissed him politely on the cheek and walked up to the stairs to the third corridor. She went straight into her study, pausing only long enough to let Seshat and Amun trot through the door to join her. "Good God, I just kissed the guy whom I have previously known as 'the Jerk.' Am I that shallow you guys?" she asked the dogs, who just stared at her quizzically. She laughed, "You betcha."
But this scroll is the whole reason I'm here. It's the whole reason my world as I know it, and the worlds of those around me is falling into shambles. She turned to her notebook, and flipped through a few pages of notes. Then, something caught her eye. It was the same riddle she had started translating almost two weeks ago. The riddle to the location of Mana Ka'reph. "Look for us in the city of the Living, O Goddess of Light and nurturing. We will be hidden in the farthest sanctum in the deepest eye of the brightest light. From there you will seek the Embodiment of Fallen Allies, and fight the Entities among them. Only you who is righteous and just may enter our sacred resting place and retrieve the blade with which to exact the laws of the gods." It showed up several times after it was first introduced, becoming a regular pattern. The scroll said that they would be city of the Living, which had to be Thebes. But wait, she remembered distinctly there had been a team of archaeologists excavating in Thebes. What if they were looking for the Rapier as well? It seemed too coincidental a connection. Both teams had started digging around the same time. At that time, Yume Shinkirou Industries became a big player in international economics. That probably meant that Yume Shinkirou Industries was funding the dig in Thebes. She flipped open her laptop, and got into the site for IECI. She entered in her faculty name and password, and then brought up a list of all dig sites on an international scale. Red dots popped up all over several countries. The most were in Britain, France, South America, and Egypt. They had been working on rebuilding and researching castles in Britain, and looking for lost Aztec pyramids in the South American countries. But by far the most in a single country belonged to Egypt, where researchers, adventurers, and archaeologists conglomerate together to search and solve the ancient mysteries inside the pyramids. There was a team right now documenting and researching a tomb filled with over one thousand mummified cats located in Bubastis, the city of Bastet. The tomb was decorated with scenes of Bast, or Bastet, and also with several scenes of Sekhmet, or maybe Bastet when she was still the lion- headed goddess. So the question had remained that was this Pharaoh's homage to the goddess of war, or a tomb created by the peasants to please the goddess of the affectionate creatures they loved so dearly. It was a strange and wondrous world, the land of ancient Egypt, and she wished she could have been there to witness it. Finally, she typed in the keys, E-G-Y- P-T, and the map enlarged the country, bringing it up to fuller detail. She saw the dig at Mando Nashti'ora, and the fellow dig up higher in Thebes. She selected it, and a message box came up. It read,
TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD. She did as it told but this time an error box came up on the screen.
INCORRECT NAME AND PASSWORD, PLEASE VERIFY AGAIN. She retyped it in again, but the same error message came up again. There had to be a backdoor somewhere. She double-clicked and pressed CTRL B, and another box came up. REQUESTING ENTRANCE? She pressed YES, and a box appeared, TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD. "Damn it. So much for plan B." She went back to her list and searched for files. The box read TYPE IN YOUR NAME AND PASSWORD, but this time when she did it, it allowed her to look through files. There was nothing that really piqued her interest, so she chose "Special Search." The dirty rat bastard that did this had to put in some sort of loophole. She searched for a filename, "white rabbit." To her surprise, three white rabbit files came up. They were,
whit_rbbit3219
white_rabbit_MM
whit_rbt_lucky_8
She looked at the names. Each was a loophole, but each made incredibly little sense. Then, something clicked in her mind. "M" was a Roman numeral for one thousand, a millennium. MM was two thousand; about the equivalent amount of years it had been that the Dark Mistress had been kept hidden away. It was worth a shot. She selected it, and up popped a diamond shape, in an emerald color. Its glow flickered, and the kanji for Yume Shinkirou glowed a bright pale green color then it faded away. Information poured out about the scroll and its contents. A woman's voice barked from across the screen, "Who is it now?" Rena jumped back, shutting off the screen. Amun stood up and sniffed for the person and thing that could have spoken. Seshat whimpered, and rubbed her head against Rena's leg. That settled it. Yume Shinkirou Industries was behind all of this, and could even be a connection to the Daughter of Seth. She hooked a printer cable to her computer, and printed off the information about the dig in Thebes. She'd show this to Seto later. She turned back to the scroll, and looked through her notebook. There were about twenty pages left of a one hundred-page notebook. "Where was I last at?" She looked through the scroll, trying to find her place. She skimmed through line after line, looking until she reached the end. "Wait!" she bolted up. "I am done!" She jumped into the air, four weeks of the worst Hell in a stuffy study full of gloom and mysteries unsolved with akuma in a black trench coat. But now, it was done. Seshat and Amun sensed her happiness, and jumped up and barked excitedly. She grabbed Amun's paws and they jumped in a circle. "You guys, I'm done!" she laughed, falling to her knees.
"Thank Isis and Ptah god of the written language." She had wondered, sitting there, confused and annoyed, what she could have done to be punished in this hell of knowledge. There was a knock on the door. "Are you okay, Rena?" Mokuba asked from the outside.
"I'm fine kiddo. I finished the scroll. It's both transliterated and translated!" she said.
"Translita-what?" He asked, wrinkling his nose in bewilderment.
"Transliterate-it's the term for making sense of these little marks and squiggles."
"Yeah! I'm so glad for you Rena-chan!" He laughed. She picked him up and swung him around. "Where's your brother?" she asked.
"I don't know. I think he's in the gym," Mokuba said.
"You guys have a gym here too?" Rena asked, amazed.
"We have a lot of stuff here. It's not a big deal," he said, shrugging his shoulders. "Come on, I'll show you."
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He tore at the punching bag with all his might. He paused to wipe sweat from his brow, and then continued with his rampage on the gray punching bag before him. He always liked to punch his problems away. Maybe that was because he had a violent nature. Yes, it was that violent nature that was the base of his problems. But he liked having problems. If his problems kept people away, they would never see what he was really like. They would not see how much he pined just to see his parents again. The most powerful man in the world just wanted to see his parents one more time. But wishes were reckless, and never fit to come true. If there was a God, he must have had a sense of humor to let him live on the way he did. Sometimes, he had thought death would be the easy way out. But he was Seto Kaiba, and Seto Kaiba never took the easy way out. He jumped back, and brought up his left leg, and with a searing rip, the bag split open, and sand spread all over the room. Sand like Egypt. Egypt like the Millennium Rapier. The Millennium Rapier like Goddess. The Goddess like Rena. All of his thoughts seemed to lead to her.
He turned to the butler standing in the corner, "Put another one up, Regius." The butler nodded obediently, and pushed a button on a remote control. A small machine rolled up what looked like a cross between a golf cart and a forklift condensed by about three feet. On the prongs was another bag, and with a soft whir, it was lifted by the fork up to the chain on which it was held. At this point, Regius walked up with a stepladder and connected the chain on the bag to the chain on the ceiling.
"Hmm," Seto said, putting a hand on his chin, "I'll have to find a way to connect those chains to save time."
"Very good Master Kaiba," the butler agreed. "Shall I get you anything else?"
"No, that's all." Then as an afterthought, he added, "Thanks."
"Very good sir," the butler said, not letting his surprise at the nicety show.
Seto turned back to the bag, and gave it a mighty right uppercut. The impact left a print in the side of the bag. He kept hitting left, right, left, right. He didn't bother stopping, this kind of exercise never really tired him out. It thrilled him, filled him with a therapeutic anger.
"Brother? Are you in here?" Mokuba asked. He came in the door and smiled. "Rena has something to tell you!"
She burst in the door, "Seto, I-" she stopped, her mouth dropped open. He turned to face her, and she nearly dropped on the spot. She had never seen him like.this before. He stood tall and proud, shirtless in a pair of very loose shorts. Sweat dripped from his body, and his hands were wrapped in bandage gauze. His hair, wet with salt, dripped in his face, his eyes were blazing and alert, and his lips were set in a casual frown. It quite took her breath away.
"You what?" he asked, leaning slightly against the punching bag behind him.
"I finished the scroll," she whispered, watching him walk around the bag. He flung his fist deep into its side.
"You what?" he near shouted.
"The scroll, it's finished. We can find the Rapier!" she cried, regaining her voice.
He grabbed a towel and water bottle. The towel he draped across his neck, and the water he flung into his face before taking a long drink. "We'll leave as soon as possible. I can arrange for a chopper to be here by tomorrow."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up and rewind. Tomorrow? Are you forgetting, that someone in her time of weakness conditioned her body out of fighting? Yeah," she said.
"It's going to be a problem, that's for sure," he sighed, turning around and punching the bag. Sweat flew off his hair from the jolting impact. It dripped onto the floor, and he sat down. "Meet me in here tomorrow. Mana Ka'reph is as good as ours."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that. There's another site, up in Thebes, and it's owned by Yume Shinkirou Industries," she said, kneeling down by him.
"So?" he looked at her, unsure of her point.
"Thebes is right where Mana Ka'reph is. They're probably digging in that area in hopes of finding the entrance," she said, falling on her rear.
"But we have the scroll."
"You're right, we do, but that isn't necessarily going to stop them from trying to find our treasure, archaeologists are rigorous, efficient, and damn good at what they do. I speak from experience," she said, glaring at him intensely. He shifted his gaze; he didn't want to admit she was right.
"So we've got to haul some serious ass."
"That would be my presumption," she smirked, standing up to leave. "Oh and by the way," she added, "the party's in three hours and you haven't got a thing to wear."
"Are you really dressing up?" he asked, rolling his eyes in embarrassment.
"It is a costume party," she retorted.
"Fine then, are you going as what I think you are?" he asked.
"And what do you think I'm going as?" she grinned. (Think Lara Craft holier-than-thou grin, and you've got Rena.)
"Akhten-He-Shesat."
"Then that shows how little you really know about me," she smiled, "I'm going to try and forget some of my stress, I don't need to be reminded of the thing that I fear most." Her smile faded into a dark expression. "I'm not ready for this, and the time has come that I must be." She walked out, not saying another word.
"Damn. Why's she so stubborn?" Seto asked. Mokuba and Regius shrugged their shoulders. Seto screamed as he rammed his elbow into the side of the bag. It puckered, and exploded open. "Shit," he snarled as sand coated his sweat-covered body.
Regius coughed, and said, "I'll get the shower ready for you Master Seto."
"That was the third bag you've broken today," Mokuba said, "You really need to cut it out. I'm going to die of an asthma attack."
"You're pretty smart for an eleven-year-old."
"I learn from the best, oniichan," he smiled innocently, and ran out of the room before Seto could say anything more.
--------
"Do we have an agreement, gentlemen?" the man asked.
"Of course," the man on the other side of the table took a heavy drag off his Cuban cigar.
"Wonderful," the man said, running a hand through his slick, greasy hair.
"Of course, but what is so very meaningful about a party?" Cigar man asked.
"My good gentleman," Greasy hair started, "this is not just any party, but a corporate party. Fifty of the richest CEO's and stockholders will be there. It's an opportunity not worth missing, my good man."
"I see. Then of course it's a deal. My men will be there," Cigar spoke with all the charm of a used car salesman.
"Good. I will make sure you get your sixty percent. As for myself, I will have the great pleasure of seeing Yume Shinkirou's illustriousness dragged through the mud," Greasy hair stood up and straightened his rental-quality suit, and gave the man smoking his cigar a deep bow. Cigar man returned it stiffly, and walked out to his own private limo, and the driver waited for him to get inside. He did finally manage to position his squat, ape-like body somewhat comfortably inside, and the driver slammed the door on the limo, and drove off down the road.
--------
"Oni, you had better have learned from your failure," the Dark Mistress played with the wine in her hand, swishing it slightly in her chalice.
Oni bowed deeply, and groveled, "Oh yes, your Darkness. Oni has learned-"
"Silence!" she roared, "I gave you no permission to speak!" Oni flinched, and threw himself upon the floor. "But," she grinned maliciously, "we have to make sure you don't ever fail again." She looked to Fukushuu, "Would you agree, my pet?" Fukushuu laughed, a bone-chilling, raspy sound and nodded, grinning his seductive crocodile smile.
"Now, how to punish you." She snapped her fingers, dropping the glass. She shouted, "Hesf becket bekert shesh yon gerten rekverty!" Oni screamed as his body cracked and the sound of splintering bone was heard. White-hot pain coursed through his limbs and chest. His skull felt like it would tear apart in a searing spear of agony, and a crucifix appeared before his mangled body. "My favorite method of torture," she laughed. She balled her hand into fists, and when she released it, four scarabs and a scorpion appeared in her hand. She released them, and they rushed toward Oni's body. The demon screamed in pure fear as the creatures crawled toward him. He beat his head against the crucifix he was lashed onto, as the bugs made their way up the cross. "No, Mistress, I beg of you!" he cried. The scarabs crawled into his skin as he struggled in his bonds.
The scorpion stung repeatedly, thirsty to inject its poison. Finally, the crucifix alighted into flames and the Mistress laughed long and loud.
"Maybe you'll get lucky Oni, and the fire will destroy them before it destroys you!" She laughed maniacally and sadistically.
Finally, she snapped her fingers and everything, the fire, the crucifix, and the creatures all disappeared. Everything except for the pain. Oni curled into the fetal position, whimpering and sniveling.
"That's better. Now maybe next time you'll think about coming back after failure," she called. "Now," she turned to Fukushuu, "we had better prepare for tonight. Whatever should I wear?" she laughed, and glided back into the mortal world, but before exiting completely, she snapped, "Have my trap ready, or your fate will be far more severe than Oni's."
"Yes Mistress." She came into an elegant room, where several maids were already waiting on her. They rushed into a wardrobe, and she thought to herself the wonderful way in which she would torture the goddess. But, something puzzled her, who had contacted her today. Whoever it was had not been one of her servants.
--------
"I'm not wearing this," he said, looking at Rena. "There is no way in bloody hell."
"You have to Seto," she pleaded.
"I'm not."
"But you look great."
"People will think I'm gay."
"You're not. You look like a pirate," she insisted. She thought he did. Not a Captain Hook kind of pirate. More like a debonair Gene Kelley pirate from the movie, "The Pirate." Seto was wearing a loose white blouse-like top with a scarlet bandana. He was also sporting black breeches with black pirate boots and a sword.
"No."
"Please?"
"Hell no."
"What do you want to do then? Put on a tux, and strut around saying 'Tuxedo ala Smoking Bomber?'"
"That is not funny. Not in the least. And besides, you haven't chosen a costume yet. What are you going as, Akhten?"
"You already asked me that, and my answer's still the same. I'm staying away from the whole Egyptian thing. And who ever heard of a blonde Egyptian?" she said, running a hand through her hair.
"When we get back," Seto smiled, "remind me to introduce you to Malik Ishtar."
"Who?" she asked.
"Another Millennium Item carrier."
"Oh."
"I'm leaving," he said, turning into his closet to change.
"Why? I love it!" She exclaimed.
"I feel.like I'm going to kill," he scowled.
"See? You're in the pirate motif already!"
"Hold on. I've got a better idea," he said, turning into the closet. "He came back out wearing a long back overcoat with a silver studded vest. His shirt on underneath was black with a v-cut, and he had on black crew pants with motorcycle boots.
"Wow! You look just like Neo!" she cried.
"Neo?" he asked, puzzled. "Who's Neo?"
"You've never seen The Matrix?" she asked.
"Never."
"That is our first point of order tomorrow."
"I thought our first point of order was training you," he said, cocking an eyebrow.
"It'll help me get in the mood for violence," she smiled. "Never mind, I've got my costume now!" She ran out, leaving Seto to try and sort out what has just happened exactly. Five minutes later, she came back.
He blinked disbelievingly, "What exactly are you?"
"I'm the chick from The Matrix. Not the one who always wore white, she died. I mean the one who got Neo in the end," she said. She was wearing a long duster coat with a black strap tanktop, tight, black leather pants. Her hair was pulled back neatly, and her stiletto-heeled boots were polished.
"So, she killed him?" he asked.
"No, they fell in love dipshit. It happens in every movie. Her name was Trinity."
"Dipshit?"
"You need to brush up on your gaijin."
"Oh gomen. I feel like such a fool." Obviously it did not faze him to care just exactly what a dipshit was.
"You are so absolutely-.never mind. We still need our masks," she said, rubbing her temple slightly. He noticed she was wearing black leather gloves. She dug in her pocket and pulled out a pair of sunglasses, which hid her eyes completely, and left her face blank.
"Very nice, but that's not exactly a mask," Seto said.
"So? These outfits are millennium, not some 13th century façade," she said, turning her nose up and sniffing pettily.
"Clever," he said, taking a pair of glasses and throwing them on. "Well, shall we be going?"
"Of course," she said, putting on her glasses. They strode out, down into the main entryway. Mokuba looked at them.
"Wow," he breathed. "Where are you guys going?"
"A masquerade," Seto replied simply.
"Can I come? I've never been to a masquerade," he pleaded.
"Let's settle this like businessmen, little brother," Seto said. "If you agree to stay here, I'll let you have a masquerade of your own here." He held up his hands, "Compromise?"
"Will Yuugi and his friends be invited?" he asked.
Seto looked pained, and his left eye twitched a little, but still he answered, "Yes."
"All right then. It's a deal," Mokuba held his hand out and Seto shook it.
He looked to Rena, "Come on." She nodded, and stepped out the door behind him. He looked her up and down; she really was gorgeous with the moonlight shining on her face. But he shook his head, and said, "It's an hour to Duelist Kingdom by helicopter, let's get going."
--------
She looked around at the fools who had actually come to this party. It was laughable. They were all dressed up, just as the invitation had requested. She was dressed up herself. She wore a long, sleek gown of black and lined with ermine. She had a tiara set against her forehead carved from emerald so dark it looked black. And that was her costume name, Rile. She wore a heavy chain around her neck of braided gold, but the crest of Seth hung off it. No one here would know the full meaning of it, but the goddess would recognize it when she saw it. But by then it would be too late. Her demons were in disguise everywhere. Even Oni was standing in a corner, disguised as a human police officer. Finally, she felt her spirit stir the goddess had arrived. She saw them walk in. They were both dressed in the same fashion, all in black, except for the priest, who had a silver vest. They didn't acknowledge either person, but instead walked in cool and didn't look at each other. She wondered if they were expecting this trap.
--------
"Seto Kaiba! Is that you my boy?" a man walked up to Seto and slapped him on the back. He was dressed as King Henry VIII, and played the part well, right down to the beerbelly stomach. He held a goblet of wine in his hand, which basically kept him busy because he spent so much time drinking from it, and then calling to a waiter to refill it again.
"I'm fine, Hoshiguro-san. I see you've been well," Seto smirked.
Hoshiguro eyed Rena, "Well, Seto, I never thought you'd be able to do it!" He laughed and slapped Seto on the shoulder again.
"Do what, Hoshiguro-san?" he asked, turning to Rena, and then back to Hoshiguro.
"I never thought I'd see the day when you were with a woman. And such a pretty one, too. I always knew you had a liking for the model types," he said laughing again, and raising his hand to cuff Seto on the back again, but this time Seto moved out of the way, and Hoshiguro's hand hit air.
"She's just working for me, Hoshiguro-san. This is my graphologist, Rena Campbelle," he said introducing them. "Miss Campbelle, this is Hoshiguro Iso, CEO of Mitsubishi Corporations."
"Nice to meet you," she smiled. "Whoa, is that who I think it is?" she asked.
"I'll see you, Hoshiguro-san," Seto said, turning away from him, and catching up to Rena, who was crossing the floor to another person.
"Fine, fine!" Hoshiguro laughed, and signaled the waiter. "You! Yes, you there! Waiter, more wine!" Seto rolled his eyes and laughed as the big man waddled after the waiter, waving his cup in the air. He joined up with Rena, "What's the matter?"
"Is that." she asked.
"Oh, that's the CEO for Microsoft. Bill Gates, right?" he said. The man turned around, "Ah, Seto Kaiba! I was wondering if you had been invited! What are you dressed as?"
"Supposedly Neo from The Matrix."
"And you completely look the part," Gates said, and then turned to Rena and shook her hand. "And who is your lovely guest?"
"Rena Campbelle, my company graphologist," Seto said, introducing them quickly. He didn't like this scrawny weasel of a man, and usually avoided meetings with him at all costs. He was more of a dog than Jounochi. He just wore a silk, Italian tuxedo with a mask. He probably found it beneath him to even wear a costume. He turned around but Rena was gone, already on her way to meet a new couple. These were dressed as Cleopatra and Marc Antony.
He raced over to her, but it was too late. She was already spewing facts and naming inconsistencies by the time he got there. The couple looked slightly appalled. He recognized them as the fuufu of a law firm in France, but didn't know them well enough to be in acquaintance with them.
"Did you know Cleopatra was not-" She was cut short by Seto putting a hand over her mouth.
"Gomen nasai, I hope she didn't bother you too much. I just hired her from Egypt, and she's quite a know-it-all," he apologized.
"Excuse me? A know-it-all?" she snapped, but was broken off by the French woman.
"Pardon le moi? Did you say from Egypt?" she said.
"Yeah," Rena said.
"Oh! How fascinating! Could you tell us more, si'l vous plait?"
"Of course," Rena laughed, blushing a little.
"Merci, but we should be going," the man said, steering his wife by the shoulder to the snack line. She yelled at him speaking in rapid French, and finally, he gave in and she walked back over to Rena and Seto.
"I am Anisse Devour, part of Devour & Devour Law. We're in Paris. Here is, how do you say it? My card," she handed Rena a card, outlined in filigree, and printed in Kunstler calligraphy. "Now, tell me about Egypt."
"Well, it's really, really hot. And very dry."
"I know, I know, but what do you do all day?"
"Dig."
"Pardon?"
"I dig all day. We haven't found much at our site, but there was one trunk loaded with jewelry that we found. Most of its contents are probably going to be sold to museums across the world?" At the mention on ancient jewelry Cleopatra's French counterpart raised her eyebrows. Jewelry always piqued her interest, no matter what kind.
"Have you found any mummies?"
"No, but did you know that the country of France holds one of the first Pharaonic mummies to leave the country of Egypt?" she asked.
Anisse brightened, "Really?"
"Yes, you have the mummy of Ramsses II," she said.
"Oh, you will have to tell me more. We should talk again sometime," Anisse said, "But I have to go. I hope to hear from you again. Aurevoir!"
"Right," Rena smiled. She turned to Seto, "Goodness, I thought it would never end." He laughed and they walked over the refreshments table. She snatched a glass of brandy from the passing waiter, and finished it in a drink.
"Impressive, aren't I?" she said when she caught the look Seto gave her.
"You're as bad a drinker as I am."
"I'll take that as a compliment," she laughed. "From you, it's the closest thing to one."
He walked over to the bar, and looked through the drinks, pretending he didn't hear what Rena had just said. He finally chose a sherry Bourbon, and poured himself a tall glass of it. He downed it rather quickly, and turned back to face Rena, who raised her eyebrow curiously. He would have laughed, if he hadn't seen who was coming up behind her. He nearly choked on his
Bourbon when the he saw her. It was none other than Tenshino Konton, in a sleek, long dress with a terribly low cut neck. She was a very beautiful woman, maybe even prettier than Rena.
Rena heard a voice behind her, making her jump, "How are you enjoying my party?" The voice was sickly sweet, and dripping with charm. But she hinted something else, but she couldn't place her finger on just what it was. She faced the stranger, and was rather shocked at just how striking she was. Her hair was long, and strangely silver, and it shone with an unnatural iridescence. There were subdued black streaks running through her hair; they matched the black crown on her head. It was set in stones darker than charcoal, but more resilient than diamonds. She wondered what they were. Her dress was long and black, and the neck was very low-cut, maybe too low-cut, a good deal of her breasts was showing. The gown itself was lined in ermine, and gave it a more respectful appearance. She looked not much older than she was, and her eyes glittered a malicious green, like two set emeralds.
Rena felt a shiver down her back, this woman really creeped her out. But what bothered her the most was the thick chain of braided gold around her neck, much like the one Andre had given her. An emblem was attached to it, but she couldn't identify just what it was, even though it was terribly familiar to her.
'I've seen that before,' she thought.
"You've seen what before?" the woman asked.
Rena jumped back, horribly startled, "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes," the woman smiled, showing a string of pearly white teeth. "You said, 'I've seen that before.' Do you not remember?"
"I guess not," Rena muttered.
The woman smiled again, "I'm Tenshino Konton, the one who threw this wonderful party. It is wonderful, don't you think?"
She decided to be polite, and responded, "Oh yes, very wonderful! I've had an excellent time."
"That's perfect. And who do I have the pleasure of acquainting? Seto Kaiba's guest? I saw you two walk in together."
"Oh yes, we decided to come together. My name's Rena Campbelle. I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine," Konton smiled with her dripping charm. Rena smiled at her again, hoping that this would soon be over. They both had masked obvious distaste of the other, though Rena couldn't exactly tell why she didn't like this person, when there were so very many who did. Seto walked up behind her and whispered something in her ear, "That's Tenshino Konton, the CEO of Yume Shinkirou Industries."
"So I noticed," Rena hissed.
"Fraternizing with the enemy?" he asked.
She excused herself from Konton's company, and led Seto over to the refreshment table. "Is there any time in this whole damn world you are not egotistical, patronizing, cruel, and sarcastic?"
"Please, flattery will get you nowhere."
"Don't make me slap you again," she said, raising a hand threateningly.
"Yes, and I hope you remember what happened when you last hit me," he near laughed.
Rena dropped her hand and stared at him, "Who slobbered on whom?"
This time he did laugh, "What a way with words you have!"
"They're no better than yours." She turned around, and saw that people had started staring at them now, she bowed apologetically, and turned back to face Seto Kaiba, "We'll continue this elsewhere."
"Sounds good to me." He had noticed the attention their dispute was getting, and he was starting to get an uneasy feeling.
--------
"One hour men," a commando-attired man told about a dozen other men. All were dressed in black, each armed with handguns and rifles, and each shared an expression as though they had eaten a weasel doused in mucus. Their leader checked his watch to double-check on the time, and nodded to another man. They would launch their attack against Yume Shinkirou Industries before anyone knew what was happening. Their leader pushed a small red button on the side of his watch, and waited for the returning signal that meant it would be time.
-------
A man looked down at his watch a small, digital sign blinked 1hr, 1hr, 1hr. The man could not help but snicker a little bit as he ran his hand through his grease coated hair. Not much longer, and Tenshino Konton would be no longer. Pity, she was one the most beautiful women he had ever seen. If he had his way, he would have fucked her brains out before she was brutally murdered by supposed terrorists. 'What we want, and what we get are two different things,' he thought to himself.
--------
"Seto, what's the matter?" Rena asked. "You don't look well."
"I've got a bad feeling. I don't know what, it just seems like something is going to happen. I think Konton is planning something," he said.
"I know she's planning something," Rena commented. "I don't trust her at all, and the necklace she's wearing your not going to find anywhere in Tokyo. I've seen it before, I know it's Egyptian, but I can't quite make much of it." She ran a hand through her golden-brown hair.
Seto smirked, "Well, whatever's going to happen is going to happen soon. I hate to be kept waiting."
"Well, gee, that's the spirit!" Rena laughed. She looked over to the dance floor, and got an idea. Several couples were already out there, and in her mind, Seto still owed her a dance from the one she offered him in New York.
"Let's go have some fun!" she laughed, and grabbed his hand and pulled him out on the dance floor.
"Rena, stop it," he said, pulling her hands away from his neck, and walking off. She was about to chase after him when she suddenly stopped, fallen, rigid to her knees. "Seto," she cried, but her voice halted, and retreated back.
He turned back to see Rena sitting on the floor, panting and heavy. A cold sweat ran down her forehead.
"What' the matter?" He asked, running back to her.
"She's here, oh god. Oh god, oh god, oh god." He lifted her to her feet. She tried to stand, but her knees wobbled, and she gripped his shoulder for support. She looked at him, eyes wide in fear. "There are too many, we'll never take them. We don't stand a chance." Her vision swum, and turned black at the edges.
Seto looked at Rena, who was obviously suffering. A thick dread filled up his stomach, working it's way up into his throat in a tight knot. He swallowed it down, "Who's here?"
"Horus be with us. It's the Black Mistress. The Daughter of Seth, in the room. She's showing herself. She was with us all along. Oh, Horus, Isis, and Amun protect us." She remembered the necklace around Konton's neck. The emblem of the dark priesthood. They were the worshippers who praised this god of oblivion, and helped him to create his goddess daughter. Tenshino Konton was not just a follower; she was the Daughter of Seth.
Rena fell back but Seto caught her. "All these innocents," she whispered, "They're going to die."
"Not if we can help it," Seto said. He noticed the police officer from Egypt that he had seen in the parking lot, slither into a dark corner of the room.
Tenshino smiled as her demons crawled away as discreetly as they could into various corners and alcoves. People were starting to gather around the goddess, who had fallen back on the floor, and was looking as alarmed and scared as a young deer. She glided down from the top of the staircase, and walked up beside Rena.
"Why, what is the matter, here?" She said, and then looked down at Rena. Fighting the overpowering urge to kick the helpless goddess, she made a half-smile, and helped Rena to stand.
Rena froze as the woman touched her arm, sending waves of ice-cold compassionless waves flowed from her arm into her entire body. She felt empty, and wondered if some of that coldness had transferred into Seto.
"I've got it," Seto nearly spat. "I think we'll be leaving early."
But as he said this, the doors to the entryway burst open, and about twenty heavily armed men ran in, firing at the ceiling.
"What is happening here?" Tenshino Konton screamed. "You are not of my own." Rage filled inside her, these mortals were ruining her plan! One of the men ran over and held a gun to her throat.
"Everyone down, and no one will die!" Their leader screamed, firing more shots at the ceiling. Everyone fell down onto the ground. She saw Toshihiro-san shuddering and she nearly laughed at the sight. He looked like a beached whale, screaming it's last cries. She stifled the giggle considering their situation, and looked at the very disgruntled Konton on the floor.
"How dare you ruin my plan?" Konton screamed as the leader pressed his gun to her neck.
Seto leaned Rena against him, whispering in her ear, "We handled zombies, and I think we can take these guys."
"Are you crazy?" she whispered back, "And what do you mean, we?"
"Let's not start that. On the count of three, take out the big guy."
"Uh, which one."
"The one next to the leader, stupid."
"Excuse me for living." She huffed.
Seto could have laughed at her uncanny sarcasm, but other things were occupying his mind. "All right, one.two." He set Rena on her feet, and cried, "Three!"
They both launched themselves at two guards, taking them out. Seto tackled the leader, and knocked him out with a swipe on the jaw. Tenshino Konton went flying out of his grasp, and landed in an awkward position on the floor.
Rena kicked her opponent neatly on the shin. One man fired at her.
"Sorry I have to kill you," she apologized to her current opponent, grabbing him by the shoulders and thrusting him into the path of the bullet. Amazed by her aptness to kill people, she grabbed his handgun, and took out two more men. She felt the goddess bubbling under her conscious. She tried to suppress it, while she sent a good kick into another man's head.
"See, how hard was that?" Seto said, laughing. Six men lay dead at his feet. She felt the goddess, pressing in her consciousness, and Rena looked to where her attention lay. Another terrorist a few feet from her was firing his gun. Everything seemed to stop as she jumped up, the bullet missing her by inches, and sped up again when she crashed into his skull.
"That was nice," Seto commented as he knocked the wind out a guy with a long, tube-like weapon that Rena guessed was a flamethrower.
Finally, Akhten coursed into Rena's mind, taking over her bodily controls.
You're ridiculous. She quipped, running their body straight into four men. They each fell one by one, dead before they hit the ground.
How'd you do that? She asked the spirit in her head.
Energy produced by the power of light. They're no good, they were killed faster. She said, as though murder could almost be a profession.
A profession? Isn't that what you call an assassin? She asked, reading Rena's mind like a book.
Hey, stay out of my head! I don't invade your thoughts! Rena cried inwardly.
Look out! The goddess cried, raising their hands to block another attacker. A sick crunch was heard. The man staggered away, clutching his arm, which was bent in abnormal angle.
Did I do that? Or was that you? Rena asked in her mind, but the goddess' attention was elsewhere. Without knowing what happened her body was whirled around, presumably by Akhten, and turned to face another person as her complete transformation to the goddess overwhelmed her senses. There was a pressure behind her eyelids as they became darker, more intense than Rena's carefree happiness. Her hair grew out past her waist, dripping golden-silver to her feet like water. Her outfit molded around her, and her skin turned several shades darker. But instead of the same silky thin garments that she had worn before, they were replaced with a low hanging, black halter-top. The sleeves on her current coat melted away, leaving a fringe around her shoulders, and her pants melted away to reveal her shapely legs and stopped just short of underwear cut. Her boots crawled up her legs, stopping at her thighs. She felt the thick necklace Andre gave her materialize around her neck, and a choker appeared on her throat. The mark of Horus glimmered briefly on her forehead before disappearing. Inside their body, Rena was going spastic.
What do you think you're doing? She cried.
I'm taking over to get this job done. The goddess replied swiftly, turning their body to deliver a lethal kick to another armed attacker.
But what happened to the other body, the one used to battle Shitto? She asked as the goddess turned to finish off another guard.
I've been thinking. You don't know it, of course, but I decided to modernize our look. And didn't I do a good job? She commended herself.
What can I call you? Rena asked, And when will I get control of my body back?
Megami. It's easier to say then my real name, and Akhten it isn't. That's your name, other half. The goddess replied.
And you still have your body. If you want control you can get it. That is, if you're the one who wants to kill all these people.
So you are the goddess. Rena sighed.
Was there ever any doubt in your mind? She replied.
No, I guess not. But I have a question.
What's that?
What people are you intending to kill? Megami opened their eyes and looked around. All twenty or so terrorists either lay dead, unconscious, or injured on the floor.
"Rena?" Seto asked from across the room. "You going to be okay?" He walked over to her and did a double take. "Who are you?" He demanded.
"I'm Rena."
"No, you're not. Rena isn't that dark, and she doesn't dress like that," he said, cocking a curious eyebrow to the current outfit they were in. With a sigh, they detransformed, and Rena fell to her knees. "Seto, I'm tired."
"We'll get you back and you can sleep all you want," he supplied, helping to her feet.
"No, I-" She broke off as a tremendous wave of fatigue hit her, and dragged her down into slumber. The next day she awoke to the face of Yami, gazing down at her uncertainly.
~Junsui No Aku
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Make sure to read and review, thanks to those of you who have! I can't think of a poll, but I would like to advertise for Spin the Bottle, Yu-Gi-Oh! Style. Sayonara!