THE DESCENT OF LOST SOULS
Chapter Six: Dark Shadows Follow
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To the Reader
This Chapter has references on the following topics: the occult and death
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Day Three of the Quest - Two in the afternoon
Egyptian National Museum - Cairo, Egypt
Still meeting with Isis Ishtar - Museum Curator and Director
Pegasus' Point-of-View
I just could not believe what we have just heard. Just when I thought that I would soon get my Cynthia back, another obstacle came before us.
With a grim tone and deep gaze, Isis explained, "Being near-death is the only way to keep the door between the living and the dead wide open for passage. If the ancient gods – particularly Osiris – are willing, then the person is given the gift to resurrect the dead."
Staring at the polished marbled floor, Alexa murmured, "A life in exchange for another...."
"My dear Queen, it is actually three lives in exchange for one. Also, the one who casts the spell does not have to die. Historically, all of those who performed the spell died and were not successful."
I then interjected, "Do you have an idea when this spell was last used, who performed it, and what was the result?"
Isis' slate blue gaze planted itself on Alexa. "The last spell was done three millennia ago. It was she who last performed it – in an attempt to get the Pharaoh back. She was killed before completing the ritual. So the Pharaoh was locked inside the Millennium Puzzle, and she was to be reincarnated."
Alexa said, "I see… About the books –"
Isis interjected, "Feel free to copy its contents. As much as I trust lending these to you, please understand that you need to do your work here in my office. Since these texts are part of Egypt's national treasures, they are not to be removed from the museum or the country."
With an appreciative grin, Alexa reassured her, "We understand. Pegasus and I intend to leave the museum with everything we need. We'll read and translate these books here."
Our young host's exotic beauty was more prominent, as she radiated a light smile for both of us. "Call me Isis. I have matters that require my presence, so kindly excuse me. In the meantime, my office is at your disposal as long as you need it. I will let Malik and Rishid know that you are here."
Giving her a slight nod, I then said, "Thank you...."
Isis turned around and walked towards the door.
I then joined my young companion, as she translated The Dead Incantations.
"My Queen...."
I glanced sideways and saw our host staring at my companion.
Alexa continued working – not knowing that Isis was trying to get her attention. After I nudged her arm with my elbow, she then lifted her face from the gold tome. To keep her place, the fingers of her right hand rested on the spot where she last read.
Isis gave her a simple but cryptic message. "Tread carefully, and follow what is in your heart."
With a faint grin, Alexa quietly replied, "I will...."
Slightly nodding, Isis responded, "I wish you both luck." She then left the office.
After we were by ourselves, I exclaimed, "Finally! After all these years...."
Reciprocating with a warm and optimistic smile, Alexa said, "I know...."
Wishing to be of use, I proposed, "There are two books that we need to work on. Why don't you go through that first one you're now reading, figure out what we need, then bookmark them for me. I could copy what we need from the first text, while you work on the other."
Lightly drumming her fingers on the oak desk, she nodded her head. "Okay, let us get to work...."
We feverishly worked – not caring how long it would take us, and both of us wanting to leave the museum with this vital information. As much as we were quietly engrossed in our respective tasks, the silence between us was comfortable. To me, it meant that there was now a small level of trust between us.
And I just hoped that it would continue to grow.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Day Three - Ten in the evening
Egyptian National Museum - Cairo, Egypt
Translating The Portal of Osiris and The Dead Incantations
Emrys' Point-of-View
I skimmed through The Dead Incantations about five hours ago. Since we did not want to miss anything, Pegasus and I agreed to copy the book from cover to cover.
After going through The Portal of Osiris two hours ago, Pegasus said that this book should also be copied from beginning to end. I agreed with him, since I would rather play safe than sorry. We would never know if these books would be as readily available to us in the future, as it was now.
A soft knock on the door jarred us from our concentration.
Pegasus and I were working for the past eight hours, and we worked non-stop since we sat down. Even though there was a lot of work that needed to be done, that knock was a welcome interruption for us.
The door opened and revealed two young gentlemen. The first man held the door wide open, while the second pushed a small cart inside Isis' office.
The first man was handsome. He had expressive light gray eyes, tanned Egyptian skin, and a charming smile. His long and layered platinum hair rested on his firm-looking shoulders. The white sleeveless linen shirt and his dark jeans emphasized the contours of his sleek muscular body. The gold bands that adorned his neck and upper and lower arms further accentuated his physique. He also wore gold earrings, which dangled along with his platinum hair.
The second man, taller and slightly older than the first one, had ebony hair shaved on the sides and the remainder tied in a neat ponytail. Although handsome in his own right, his charm was subtler than his companion. His greenish gray eyes reflected a deeper and more meditative persona than his younger companion. The traditional white linen garb covered most if not all the contours of his physique, and his smile was warm and humble. What struck my curiosity was the hieroglyphic set of tattoos on the left-hand side of his face.
"Good evening," the first young man said with warmth and hospitality. "Our sister will be back shortly from her appointments. We brought supper here and the three of us will join you...."
After we smiled at the new arrivals, Pegasus looked at his wristwatch and then showed me the time. He then rubbed the back of his neck, relieving some of the tension that just settled in. "I didn't realize it was this late...."
"Neither did I. We've been too engrossed with the work." I then put down the pen that I held for hours. God, my fingers never used to be this cramped from writing non-stop! I guess that was the price to pay for not doing this for a long time....
Pegasus and I stood from our respective chairs.
After we exchanged introductions and handshakes, the four of us then worked together. We transferred the medium-sized washbowl, a large pitcher of lukewarm water, appetizing food, cold drinks, and a bundle of clean face towels from the small cart to the large circular table at the corner of Isis' office.
We took turns in cleaning up for supper. As one would wash up, the other would pour water from the pitcher and into the washbowl. Afterwards, the water was recycled for the large indoor plants.
After the four of us completed this ritual, Isis stepped in her office. She followed suit, with Malik assisting her by pouring water for her needs.
We took our respective seats – ready to share roasted lamb, flatbread, grilled eggplant, and grilled tomatoes. During supper, our three hosts told us their ancestors' history, the powers of the Millennium Tauk and the Millennium Rod, their father's death, Malik's descent to a life of hatred, and Malik's salvation as the other Yugi won the Battle City finals.
Isis, who sat between Rishid and Malik, affectionately rested one well-sculpted hand on each back. "I am glad that all of it is over. Thanks to the Pharaoh and his vessel, my family is whole again and we can go back living peaceful lives."
Pegasus and I were awe-struck with the story, as well as its storytellers. Their tale did not only answer some of my questions, but it also provided inspiration and entertainment.
Changing topics, Isis asked, "So, Mister Crawford, how far did you get from your task?"
"I have about seven pages left to copy, then I'll be done," Pegasus replied.
"How about you, my Queen?" she then inquired, as she glanced towards me.
My face flushed before I said, "I'm almost done. I have three gold pages to go." I then gave her an embarrassed smile. "Isis, I'm more used to being called either Alexa or Emrys. I'd rather be called by my first, or last name."
"Very well, Alexa..." she said while gazing into my eyes. "You know our tribe's beliefs and customs, just like your parents and ancestors before you. It does not matter how many lifetimes you live. Once you were Queen, you will always be Queen."
"I'm just not used to being called as Queen," I apologetically explained.
Our three hosts gave an understanding grin, with Malik commenting, "No offense or disrespect taken by any one of us."
I graciously smiled back at the three of them. For people who held such important posts due to their heritage, it was nice to know that they were still down-to-earth. Jonouchi also had a lot of respect for Rishid, and I agreed with him on his observation.
What surprised me the most was Malik. Jonouchi's description of Isis' brother did not fit with the man I see before me. Was there something that I was failing to see here? Could Malik be trusted?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pegasus' Point-of-View
Alexa and I were willing to burn the midnight oil to finish our task. Based on our estimation, we would be done within one hour's time.
Isis, Rishid, and Malik rested their weary bodies. There were two sofa beds inside the office – with Isis on one, and Malik and Rishid sharing another.
More hours of silence passed before I heard the sound of a pen being placed on the table.
"Excuse me. I just need a five-minute stretch break..." Alexa whispered, as she rubbed the bridge of her nose. Looking worn out from our long day, she stood from her chair and stretched her back.
Noticing how cautious she was in stretching, I inquired, "Are you okay? You seem pretty hurt whenever you move your arms."
Wincing in pain, she replied while facing me, "I sprained my left arm and broke a few ribs about a month ago. I'll be fine, but how are you holding up? We've been here all day."
I placed my pen down and focused my single eye on her. "I don't make a habit of staying up this late, or working this long, but I'm okay."
After she walked a couple of feet from the desk, she stared at the large indoor plant at the left-hand corner of the office. She then asked while rubbing the back of her neck, "Pegasus, what could you tell me about Shadi?"
Shadi. How could I describe such an elusive character? How do I describe someone who could appear and touch anything, but pass through walls and disappear whenever he willed it? Will Alexa think that I was crazy if I tell her the truth about my mysterious friend?
After taking a sip from the glass of water beside me, I murmured, "I don't even know if he's still of this world, or not."
I was relieved when I observed her reaction about the supernatural. She reminded me of Dylan and Ariadne, and how accepting they were.
With a slightly raised eyebrow, Alexa's eyes deeply probed me for my assessment. "What do you think?"
I sighed and leaned back against the upholstered chair. "Well, he's as real as we are. He, however, has a way of making an appearance when you least expect it."
Intently listening to what I just said, she now turned her back from the indoor plant. "Just like a phantom.... So we can't just go somewhere and see him...."
Nodding my head, I confirmed, "I'm afraid not. He chooses to see us – not the other way around."
She sat on her chair and kept silent for a few moments. After deeply breathing in, she said in a disappointed tone, "I'd like to speak with him about the Millennium Items."
"What do you need the Millennium Items for, if the ritual is here in these books?"
Without apprehension, she replied, "My past and the other Yugi's past are connected to the Items."
Frowning, I asked, "How could someone dying be able to finish reciting the spell? Would that person have the strength to live – let alone, conjure up an incantation?"
Judging by the crinkled forehead, she had been asking that same question herself. "I don't know. I wish that I could correctly answer that for both of us."
"Were you hoping to use the ritual to bring them back?"
"Them?" she echoed back with an inquisitive look painted on her face.
"Your parents," I quietly clarified to her. "Wouldn't you want them back?"
With a faint smile on her face, she explained while gazing into my eye, "Only time could answer that question. How about you? Would you do the ritual to get Cynthia back?"
This time, it was my turn to take a few moments of silent contemplation. After that, I murmured, "Dying didn't sound so bad before Duelist Kingdom, but now...."
My companion held her breath. "What made you change your mind?"
"What if I did the ritual, and it became successful? What if I brought her back from the dead, but it meant that I would die? We'd still be separated, and she would be grieving over me this time. I wouldn't want her to suffer, just as I did when she was gone. It wouldn't be fair to her."
She then shot the next question. "Will you be able to live with the consequences, if you choose not to take that risk?"
"I don't know..." I truthfully and grimly replied.
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Day Four of the Quest - Three in the morning
Egyptian National Museum - Cairo, Egypt
Just finished translating The Portal of Osiris and The Dead Incantations
Emrys' Point-of-View
Pegasus and I spent the last thirty minutes proofreading the other's work. After we were done, we looked at each other with smiles of our faces.
I whispered, "We did it…."
"Indeed, we did…."
Our three hosts, who hours ago napped inside Isis' office, stirred from their light slumber. As they got up, Isis asked us, "Are we ready to leave?"
"Yes, we are," I responded. "Pegasus and I owe you three a lot. We can't thank you enough...."
"Thank you," Pegasus said with a light smile.
"If you need further assistance, call us. We will do our best to help you." Isis then returned the two golden books back in the safe.
Minutes later, all five of us walked out of the museum.
After saying farewell to our gracious hosts, Pegasus drove us back to the hotel.
"God, I didn't realize how hot the weather was..." I remarked, as I grabbed the first stack of paper inside the rental jeep and fanned myself.
Pegasus glanced sideways with a smirk curling his lips. "You weren't kidding when you said you haven't been out in the field, were you?"
"That obvious, huh?" I quietly replied with a chuckle. "At least now, you know that I told you the truth."
After seconds of silence, he then asked, "What made you leave archeology and become a singer?"
With a smile denoting that I did not mind the question one bit, I responded, "I like music very much. I don't want to live life wondering what could've been if I didn't do something. So I took the gamble...."
"You won the gamble.... You became a singer to find out if you can make it out there?"
"Pretty much. I love doing it."
"More than archeology?"
"I love archeology, too. There are matters that I need to resolve first. I don't expect to stay on top of the charts forever. If I become yesterday's news, I still have archeology to fall back on."
Pegasus slowed down and drove inside the lot.
We got out of the jeep, stretched our cramped muscles, and walked inside the bed-and-breakfast.
As he walked with his hands inside the pockets of his khaki pants, he remarked, "So this return of yours to the field is a good sign?"
"I think so," I quietly said, as I waved at the two smiling women manning the hotel's reception area. I then realized a wonderful and relieving fact: no one knew me here, or what I did for a living. I made a mental note to take advantage of that privilege.
We made it to our adjacent rooms. I heard Pegasus fish for his room key, and then go inside his room.
While I unlocked my door, I let out a yawn. I hoped that for a change, tonight would be the first night that I could get a good night's sleep.
Pegasus audibly held his breath and exclaimed, "Oh, my –"
I ran inside his room and stood beside him. My jaw dropped.
Everything was turned upside-down.
Preoccupied, he then checked for personal belongings that might have been stolen from him.
Verifying my hunch, I then darted back and opened the door to my room. After turning on the lights, the blood rushed to my head when I saw that my room was ransacked as well.
I locked the door behind me, knelt on the hardwood floor, and reached underneath my bed. I patted under the mattress. Good riddance – whatever I stashed under my bed were still intact.
After unlocking my door, I then sat on my bed and wondered why would someone break into our rooms.
He walked in my room, stared at me, and then said, "I checked everything. There's nothing missing...."
With my stomach churning from this latest development, I then said, "This is not good. Someone's watching our every move...."
End Chapter Six
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Author's Side Note
Just when we thought everything is smooth sailing. It was already bad enough that they find a seemingly impossible solution to their answer, but to have their rooms ransacked?
Well, who broke into their rooms? What is the intruder (or intruders) looking for? What will Pegasus and Emrys do, now that they know someone's watching them?
To find out the answers to this question, I'll see you next chapter :-D
Zatken
Normal Disclaimer
Yu-Gi-Oh is the copyrighted property of Kazuki Takahashi. Alexandra Emrys, Yoshiko, The Portal of Osiris, The Dead Incantations, duel monster card Rhea, duel monster card Cronus, ritual magic card Birth of Poseidon, ritual monster card Poseidon Lord of the Seas, and this fanfic are properties of the author. This fanfic is written for entertainment purposes only - thereby releasing the author from any and all liabilities.