(Merry Christmas!!! Happy Hanukkah!!!! And Happy Kwanzaa!!! Every One here
is your holiday present from me!!!! Now I know I took a long time in
getting it up but.please, please, please don't kill me!!!! *Is down on
knees begging all the angry readers not to kill her* I tired to get it up
as fast as I could but all my teachers pilled homework and tests on us
before the winter break and not to mention I GOT WRITERS BLOCK!!!! Damn
that writer's block!!!! Okay enough of my ranting hope you guys enjoy this
chapter!!!! R&R PLEASE!!!!)
Quick Thank Yous:
Kistune-Yasha: I lam glad you like how I twist everything around I enjoy doing it! ^_^ It is also good that you know enough about Yu-Gi-Oh to be able to follow my story, that is so great!!!! Oh by the way I really, really liked your story. You are a very good writer as well continue writing stories!!!! ^_^
Ginnymaepotter: I am sorry I kept you waiting so long, but here is the next chapter!!! Enjoy!!!!
Avelyn Lauren: You liked the dueling!!! Great!!! I love to duel it is so much fun!!! Who knows if Seto will or will not except his role in this whole thing or not, but Ariel might be able to help him see what it is. I am sorry for making you wait so long me to put up a chapter again, but sadly it couldn't be helped. Sorry.
Kaz: Sorry about the cliff hanger but I had to leave it off there b/c I had no idea what to write after that plus I just wanted leave you guys in suspense. PLEASE DON'T KILL ME FOR IT!!!! I still can't believe you guys like my story this much I am still in shock, but it makes me happy!!! ^_^
Angel355: Thank you for waiting SO patiently!!! I hope you like this chapter!!!
Disclaimer: As before: I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!!!! Thank you!! ^_^
Character's Egyptian Names
Serenity = Safiya
Joey = Tarik
Tristan = Hondo
Mai = Ma'at
Gozaburo = Gahiji
Pegasus = Runihura
Chapter Twelve: Remembrance
Knowing that the whole palace was focused of the duels taking place Mai and Ishizu begin forming a plan. They both knew that Tea and Ariel we beyond their help at the moment, but there might still something that they could do for Serenity. To pull the plan off they needed to get Joey, Tristan and Shadi out of the dungeon a hard task considering all the guards. But as always Ishizu had come up with a plan, they would put the guards to sleep.
"Okay so how are we going to do that? I mean you're not a sorceress are you?"
"No I'm not but there is a special powder that the Egyptians use to help them sleep. Given the right dosage it will ease you into a restful sleep, but if you exceed that amount then you will be render unconscious for hours."
"And exactly how are we going to get this sleeping powder?"
"In the washroom, everyone has it. Now go look out the door and see how many guards there are."
Mai opened the door and peered out. There were five guards in the hall.
"There are five of them."
"It's a good thing that they keep the rooms of nobility stocked with wine."
Ishizu went to the cupboard on the far end of the room and opened it. Inside there was a number of wine jars full of the palaces finest wine along with numerous golden chalices.
"We will fill these with wine and dissolve the powder in the wine. The powder dissolves easily and has no color or taste."
When the chalices were filled with the drugged wine Mai and Ishizu prepared to serve it to the guards.
"Ishizu if there is one thing I know about men is that they get even stupider around attractive women so all we have to do is flirt with them and they won't question a thing."
"You better be right Ma'at."
Ishizu and Mai walked out of the room and offered the chalices to the guards at the same time flirting with them. It took Ishizu a few minutes before she had the two guards she was talking to eating out of her hand. Mai on the other hand had the other three guards eating out of her hands the minute she opened her mouth.
Five minutes later the guards were out cold on the floor and Mai and Ishizu were smiling with satisfaction.
"I am so glad we didn't have any problems." Ishizu slumped into one of the chairs
"I told you." Mai smiled
"Oh shut up Ma'at!" Ishizu through one of the pillows on the chair at Mai, "Now I want you to go down and get the boys out of the dungeon well I stay here with Safiya. And before you ask why it is because you are better at fighting then I am."
"Well I guess it is now or never."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The voice came from behind Mai
Ishizu stood up and Mai turned to face the door where the voice had come from. Standing in the doorway was an elderly Egyptian woman in the simple dress of a handmaid. She looked completely harmless but the girls had learned from their past experiences that everything can be dangerous.
"Who are you?" Ishizu asked the woman
"I am Sharifa one of the Lady Isis' handmaids as well as a intermediate sorceress. Although I should be asking you the same question?"
"What are you talking about?" Ishizu was trying not to sound worried
"You are not the Ishizu and Ma'at from the past. You two are only half of them and half of a new person from another life."
"And how can you be so sure?"
"If you truly were the Ishizu and Ma'at of the past would have had to use the sleeping powder on those men. Ma'at could have knocked them out in one swift motion or you Ishizu could have used a simple spell to do it. Then again as you said you are not a sorceress more correctly you don't remember that you are one."
"So we don't know as much as we thought we did about our past lives?" Mai asked
"You are learning and becoming who you once were. Your past lives are merging with your lives now as Ishizu has already realized by noticing that you can no longer call each other by your future names. This means that both of you will soon begin to remember the powers you once had." She paused for a moment letting her words sink in, "Now as for you Ma'at you will accompany me down to the dungeon wearing this." Sharifa handed Mai a handmaid's dress and a dagger. "We will pretend we are taking breakfast down to the prisoners. The guards won't suspect a thing until it is to late."
Mai went into the washroom and changed into the dress well Sharifa continued to talk to Ishizu.
"Now I must ask why you haven't given the High Priestess her Item. I know that helps them fight off the effects of the rings."
"I know that but the Scale was taken from me last night before the banquet and I hadn't had a chance to see Safiya up till then."
"Who took it?"
"My brother Marik."
"I see."
"Well I'm ready." Mai walked out of the washroom, "I make even this outfit look good."
Mai and Sharifa made there way quietly down towards the passage to the dungeon thankful that they had not met any guards. However Mai stayed very alert to every small noise and was ready to grab the dagger at a moments notice.
The route that they took to the dungeons passage lead them right passed the door to the arena where the duels were taking place; at that moment Yami and Tea were in the middle of their duel. As Mai heard Tea call out the name of a monster she had to fight hard against the urge to run into the arena and stop the duel.
They made there way passed the doors by using the columns on the far end of the entrance hall of the arena, slipping quickly between them so as not to be noticed. Councilmen and guards were waiting in the entrance hall for news of what was happening. Guards were standing as if built out of stone and the councilmen were pacing the marble floor impatiently occasionally pausing to talk to one another. Finally after what seemed like hours of breathlessness they had made it through the entrance hall and found themselves in a hallway with several passages to choose from.
Sharifa lead Mai down to the very end of the hall and instructed her to open the door that was at the very end, it was to heavy for her to. Sharifa then lead Mai left into a small room full of cupboards. Sharifa moved quickly around the room pulling out trays, cups, bowls, and utensils. Then in the bowls she poured some fowl smelling goop, which they feed to the prisoners. She handed Mai one of the trays and carried the other two herself.
Leaving the room they headed straight down a long dimly lit passage walking quickly and quietly. The passage, Mai noticed, seemed to spiral downwards and the further down they went the colder it got. They continued to descend and as they did the air got colder and the light dimmer. At last, when Mai felt like she was going to drop the tray, they heard voices coming from behind a closed door not to far in front of them and they seemed to be arguing. Mai recognized one of those voices as Joey's and stopped immediately.
"What is it Ma'at?"
"That voice it is Tarik's."
"Your fiancée?"
"Yes my.wait my what?"
"Your fiancée, oh that's right you don't remember. Well you two were to be married after the war."
"Yeah whatever you say. Lets just get going." Mai begun to walk forward
"Wait let me go in first they know me. Now keep your head down and don't look them in the eyes and they will leave you alone."
"Alright, if I must."
Sharifa walked up to the door and using her foot knocked twice on the door. One of the guards opened it and she walked in head bowed, Mai followed suite.
"So you guys finally decided to bring the food? It's about time they have been causing a problems, Mainly that blonde boy." Said one of the guards
"Hey look there's a new one." The second guard grabbed Mai by the arm. Mai had to control the urge to punch. "Hey she's a cute one."
Joey looked through the bars to see what all the fuss was about and saw the guard holding Mai. He was ready to yell at the guard to get his hands off her when her eyes met his and told him to control himself.
"Sir please release her." Sharifa asked without even looking at the guard
"Why should I?" The guard looked Mai up and down
"She works for the Pharaoh and is only down here with me because I need a hand. I would hate to see what would happen if this girl was harmed in any way."
The guard quickly released Mai.
"Go on with your business and get out of here." The guard unlocked the door to the cell and the girls walked in.
Pretend that she didn't know then Mai walked over to Joey and handed him his food. Sharifa gave Shadi his food and then gave a very sickly looking Tristan his food then quickly left the cell. Mai slowly made her way out, but when she got out a surprise met her eyes. All four guards were lying unconscious on the floor.
"What did you do to them?"
"I used a sleeping spell on them. They will be out until I lift the spell." Sharifa bent down and removed the keys from around one of the guard's waist.
Mai ran back into the cell to Joey.
"Tarik!"
Joey threw his food aside and pulled Mai into his arms then into a kiss.
"Awe to be young and in love."
Joey and Mai pulled apart Mai looked at Sharifa with a smirk on her face and Joey kept his head down trying to hide the fact that he was blushing.
"Tarik what's wrong with Hondo?"
"I don't know he just started acting like that last night."
"It must be because of Safiya."
"Why? What happened to my sister?"
"Oh god Tarik I am sorry, but Duke put the other Ring of Possession on her. She can't even get out of bed."
"I am going to kill him when I get out of here!"
"Later Tarik, right now we need to get Hondo up to Safiya. The only thing that can strengthen her against the rings power is true love." Sharifa walked over to Tristan who was sitting in the corner "Hondo get up now, stop sulking. There is still something we can do for Safiya but it requires you to get off you butt." Tristan didn't move "NOW!!" Tristan got up "That's better. Now follow me."
Sharifa lead Tristan out of the cell and told him to wait for her.
"Ma'at come with me, Tarik and Shadi you to stay here. I am going to wake the guards up now, but I am going to put them under my control. They will seem to be themselves but at any moment I can tell them what to do. I will also know everything that happens down here. Now so that the other guards that will be coming down here don't think anything funny is going on make a small bed over there in the corner where Hondo was and make it looks like he is sleeping in it."
Mai followed Sharifa reluctantly out of the cell and lead Tristan into the passage outside of the dungeon. Mai only had to wait a minute before Sharifa came out and began leading them back up the passageway.
The trip back seemed easy now that they knew exactly how to do it. Tristan didn't cause any problem he just did whatever they told him to and stay in kind of a stupor. After passing once more through the entrance way they made their way swiftly to Safiya's room.
Ishizu who was waiting for them jumped when the door opened.
"Oh it is only you. I was worried that it would be some one else. Why did you bring only Hondo?"
"We needed the other two to stay down there for the time being so that they were there when Pharaoh Yami and High Priest Seto are brought back down. Has there been any change in the High Priestess?"
"She is awake but is not saying much."
Tristan looked up and seeing Serenity ran to her.
"What is wrong with her?" He acted like he had never been in the trance
"Look at her left hand." Instructed Sharifa Tristan picked up her left hand and saw a ring with a single blood red ruby on it and dropped her hand quickly.
"What is that?"
"It is the third Ring of Possession."
"Marik and Bakura used those on Isis and Nefertiti. Shadi told us. But why is Safiya like this, that didn't happen to the others?"
"Safiya doesn't have her Item otherwise this wouldn't happen."
"Well the what do we do?"
"We can't do anything but you can."
"What can I do?"
"Kiss her."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
Tristan looked at Serenity whose eyes were opened but didn't even notice instead they looked trough him. Tristan leaned close to her ear.
"Come back to me Safiya." He whispered in her ear and then he softly kissed her on the lips. (Alexia: Kind of sounds like Sleeping Beauty doesn't it?)
Slowly Tristan deepened the kiss and as he did the other noticed Serenity's eyes closing once more. Although Tristan didn't notice this he did, however, notice that little by little Serenity began to return the kiss. As she did memories of her and Tristan together began to flow through her mind and she began to remember what had happened the night before. Her mind became stronger and the hold the ring had on her body causing it to become weak was diminishing. Slowly she lifted her hand up and placed it on Tristan shoulder and gently pushed him away then gradually sat up.
"So what took you so long Hondo?" Serenity smiled
"You know boys Safiya, they always take forever to get anything done." Mai remarked causing everyone to start laughing
"The first duel is over." Sharifa stated grimly
"How do you know?" ask Ishizu "They have just brought Pharaoh Yami back down to the dungeon and he doesn't look good."
"What do you mean not to good?" Hondo was now standing
"The guards have to support him on their shoulders but his feet are still dragging and.and." Sharifa stopped a horrified look on her face
"What is it?" Hondo raised his voice slightly
"His-his soul has been broken"
No one said anything they just sat in silence hoping that some how Sharifa would be wrong. Silent minutes passed and turned into a silent hour, finally the silence was broken by Sharifa.
"It is finished. The second phase of Marik's plan is complete. The High Priest soul has been broken. Now is the time to finish my plan."
"So what are we going to do?" asked Serenity
"Once every one has gone to bed we, that is Ma'at and myself, will go back down to the dungeon to get the others. We will pretend that we have come to collect the food dishes. Then I will place the guards under the sleeping spell again. Once we get back up here we will use the spell of Remembrance on the Queen and the Sorceress to restore them as well as restoring the Pharaoh and the High Priest."
"Is there more?" Asked Hondo
"Yes but not that I can tell you at the moment. Now Ishizu and Ma'at need to go back to their rooms and I must go back to the Sorceress' room. Hondo you stay here with High Priestess Safiya, if someone comes in hide quickly in washroom. Understand?" All of them nodded to show that they understood. "Good. Now lets go."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marik watched with great pleasure as two guards dragged an unconscious Seto out of the dueling arena. He was even more pleased to see that Isis was enjoying this. Marik could also no longer sense Ariel inside of Isis. It seems that Ariel had been locked deep inside the soul room of the Millennium Necklace and that Isis' souls was broken and remade exactly how he desired it to be. Marik wondered if it was the same for Bakura with Nefertiti.
"Shall we go to the celebration banquet my love?"
"Of course." Marik offered his arm to Isis who gladly took it. They walked out of the room followed by Gozaburo and Pegasus who both seemed a little too happy. Pegasus was happy because when Marik had remade Isis soul he had made it so that Isis thought Pegasus was a wonderful father. Gozaburo on the other hand was happy because he had the pleasure of seeing his traitor of an adopted son broken into pieces by the one he loved. Now it would be all too easy to take over Kaiba Corp one more and return it to the company it was meant to be.
The four of them entered a dinning room that was smaller then the one from the night before where the other banquet had been. There already waiting for them was Bakura and Nefertiti as well as Duke, Keith and Jackson. Surprisingly Serenity and Mai were now where to been seen.
"Is there some reason the other girls are not here? Duke? Keith?" Marik looked at the two
"Safiya is not feeling good my Pharaoh." Answered Duke well bowing
"While that was to be suspected. You did give her the ring?"
"Yes my Pharaoh."
"Now why is the lovely Ma'at not here Keith?"
"I couldn't get her to come out of her room."
"Excuse me?"
"She won't come out of her room and she seems to have remember the strength and abilities that she had before. Every guard that has tried to get her to come out has sustained serious injuries my Pharaoh."
"Very well, I suppose my sister has remembered her powers as well. That is undoubtedly why she is not here with us."
"That is correct my Pharaoh." Commented Jackson
"Well did my daughter say yes?" asked Pegasus now entering the room
"Did I say yes to what?" Isis was a little confused
"Did you say yes to this," Marik got down onto one knee "You already have the ring on, but will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Marik stood up and kissed Isis
"My daughter I am so happy for you!"
Pegasus embraced Isis and Isis returned the embrace.
"I am so proud of you!"
"Thanks daddy!" Pegasus kissed Isis on the forehead
Every one followed suit in congratulating Marik and Isis the soon to be new Pharaoh and Queen. Shortly after Bakura formally asked Nefertiti to marry him and she too accepted his proposal and there was another wave of congratulations going around the room. Nefertiti and Isis went off to the terrace to talk and make wedding arrangements while waiting for lunch to be served.
"I can't believe I am finally getting married." Isis was ecstatic
"I know who ever thought anyone would want to marry you."
"Hey! Well one person did and I am not talking about Marik."
"Oh come on forget about him. I mean he was just a lowlife who used his powers to take control of you."
"I know but still."
"Listen forget about him, you have Pharaoh Marik now." Nefertiti gave Isis a hug, "Just forget about the former High Priest Seto."
The minute the words High Priest Seto came out of Nefertiti's mouth Isis went ridged and lost all sense of sight and sound. Her body become limp as she slumped to the floor while her Necklace emitted a faint golden light.
"My Pharaoh! Come quickly! Something is wrong with Isis!"
Marik, Pegasus and Bakura came running out to the terrace to find Isis passed out on the ground.
"What happened?" demanded Marik
"I am not sure, one minute we were talking and the next she just passed out."
"Runihura run and fetch the doctor! Quickly!"
"Yes my Pharaoh." Pegasus ran back into the dinning hall quickly leaving once again to find the doctor.
Isis heard all this commotion but it sounded so far off and quickly getting further away till her sense of hearing was almost completely gone. With a rush of cold wind Isis felt herself spinning through a whirlwind of cold air. She seemed to be spinning and falling at the same time; she tried to put her hands out to stop herself but there was nothing there but empty space. Just when Isis was getting ready to panic she felt her touch solid ground and she dared to open her eyes.
The sight before her caught her completely off guard she was now standing in the middle of the execution pavilion surrounded by people none of which were looking at her, but instead were looking past her. Isis understood now the Necklace was showing her a glimpse of the future and it appears that someone was to be executed.
The crowd around her began to both cheer and protest as the palace guards brought whomever it was out to the execution block. Isis turned to meet whoever it was and to her delight it was the vile High Priest Seto. Isis was relieved to see that he was getting exactly what he deserved, but amongst her feeling of joy there was a hint of sadness like that of a heart break. Confused Isis pushed that feeling to the back of her mind and watched as Seto was made to kneel before the block.
The crowd continued to cheer and protest as the executioner made and few practice swings on the block behind him. Finally the executioner was ready to proceed; placing the ax on Seto's neck he brought it up above his head then swung. The ax however stopped in mid air, time had frozen.
Seto stood up and walked up to an utterly shocked Isis blue eyes locking with blue eyes. A light breeze blew a strand of Isis' golden hair into her face, but she paid it no mind as she watched Seto get closer and closer. Seto was now face to face with Isis who could think of anything to do or say. Seto on the other hand gently brushed the strand of hair out of her face and embraced her; Isis was not pleased at all about this and pushed him away.
"How dare you touch me like that after what you did."
"Isis what in Ra's name are you talking about?"
"You know perfectly well what I am talking about. You used your powers as a Priest to control my mind making me believe that I loved you. You turned me against my own father and against the only man that I ever loved."
Seto looked at her for a moment trying hard to understand what had happened to her because this was not the Ariel that he remembered. Then again the last thing he could remember was Ariel kissing Marik and then shooting him with a black orb followed by pain beyond anything he had ever felt and then nothing. He had woken up in the darkness and that is where he had been up until now.
It seemed that after Seto's soul had been broken it had retreated into the Millennium Necklace and taken refuge in one of the soul rooms. Then when the Necklace decided to show Isis what would happen to Seto if she married Marik; Seto had unknowingly taken the chance to speak with her.
"I don't know what Marik has done to you but I would never dream of doing anything like that to you. But if you can't remember how you felt about me then at least remember Mokuba."
Time started once again, Seto was back on the execution block and the ax was about to hit his neck. Abruptly the ax stopped on Seto's neck, which produced a trickle blood.
"My life is in your hands." Came Seto's voice
"Isis wake up!" Marik was shaking her
Isis' eyes shot open and met Nefertiti's. Isis' arm lounged forward grabbing Nefertiti's wrist on which she wore the Millennium Bracelet.
"Your turn." Was all Isis said
The Bracelet produced a faint golden light well the Necklace produced a faint white light. The two lights shot into the air meeting each other right above the girls then engulfed Nefertiti.
Nefertiti heard Isis' voice but it sounded so far off and quickly getting further away till her sense of hearing was almost completely gone. With a rush of cold wind Nefertiti felt herself spinning through a whirlwind of cold air. She seemed to be spinning and falling at the same time; she tried to put her hands out to stop herself but there was nothing there but empty space. Just when Nefertiti was getting ready to panic she felt her touch solid ground and she dared to open her eyes.
The sight before her caught her completely off guard she was now standing in the middle of the execution pavilion surrounded by people none of which were looking at her, but instead were looking past her. Nefertiti understood now the Necklace transferred the ability to show the future to her Bracelet and was showing her a glimpse of the future and it appears that someone was to be executed.
The crowd around her began to both cheer and protest as the palace guards brought whomever it was out to the execution block. Nefertiti turned to meet whoever it was and to her delight it was the despicable former pharaoh Yami. Nefertiti was relieved to see that he was getting exactly what he deserved, but amongst her feeling of joy there was a hint of sadness like that of a heart break. Confused Nefertiti pushed that feeling to the back of her mind and watched as Yami was made to kneel before the block.
The crowd continued to cheer and protest as the executioner made and few practice swings on the block behind him. Finally the executioner was ready to proceed; placing the ax on Yami's neck he brought it up above his head then swung, but the ax stopped on Yami's neck, which produced a trickle blood.
"His life is in your hands." Came Isis' voice
Nefertiti's eyes shot open and she was breathing fast. She was also no longer on her feet but laying on the ground with her head in Bakura's lap.
"Are you alright Nefertiti?" Bakura's eyes were full of concern
"Yeah I fine."
"What happened?" Marik looked from Isis to Nefertiti
"It must be the heat and exhaustion. Once we have had some food and water we will be just fine." Isis said quickly for she knew that both her and Nefertiti wanted didn't want to tell them what had just happened.
Marik and Bakura helped the girls back onto their feet and back into the dinning hall where lunch was now being served.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Stars filled the inky black sky that came with the evening as once again an unnerving silence fell over the land of Egypt. The corridors of the palace were empty except for the guards that were fighting the urge to lie down on the marble floors and sleep. Upstairs, however, a maid could be observed going from room to room finishing the night's chores.
This maid of course was Sharifa and she was not doing chores quite the contrary she was actually making sure that the others were ready to begun their tasks as soon as the clock struck midnight. Once Sharifa had made sure every one was ready she returned to Isis' room to wait for midnight.
Tristan who was still hiding in Serenity's room and had spent the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening hiding in the washroom and diving under the bed because he had to constantly hide from Duke. The worst part wasn't even the hiding it was the fact that he had to watch Duke kiss Serenity and Serenity having to pretend she was enjoying it. If Tristan could have had his way he would have strangled Duke on the spot, but no he had to hide under a damn bed!
Finally Duke made his last visit at about eight in the evening and thankfully it was short. Serenity on the other hand was weary for every time Duke had come to visit her she had to fight off the power of the ring which was half forcing her to do his bidding. Now Serenity lie sleeping in her bed and Tristan lying beside her stroking her hair and wishing they could be somewhere else.
Waiting for midnight was not easy especially for Mai who was beginning to remember even more of her past life, Ma'at was now merging with Mai. Mai had all these ideas of how to get the boys out of the dungeon running through her head, but she knew that all of them were to rash.
Finally after a long wait midnight had come and Ishizu, Sharifa and Mai made their way to Serenity's room. Sharifa was the first out of her room and placed a heavy sleeping spell on the guards so that they could no longer fight the urge to go to sleep. Instead the guards fell to the floor one by one and began to snore.
When they reached Serenity's room they each knocked on the door three times to indicate that it was not the guards and each time Tristan answered the door. Once every one was there Sharifa began to explain once more what they were going to do.
"Okay Ma'at and myself are going to go back down to the dungeon to get the others. We will pretend that we have come to collect the food dishes. Then I will place the guards under the sleeping spell again. Once we get back up here we will use the spell of Remembrance on the Queen and the Sorceress to restore them as well as restoring the Pharaoh and the High Priest."
After that brief explanation Mai and Sharifa left the room and head for the dungeon once again. Mai and Sharifa made there way quietly down towards the passage to the dungeon thankful that all the guards had been affected by Sharifa's spell. However Mai stayed very alert to every little noise and was ready to grab the dagger at a moments notice.
This time upon entering the door to the dungeon they just walked in and found the guards on the floor sleeping just like the rest. Sharifa removed the keys from one of the guard's belts and unlocked the cell door. The guys, who had also been asleep, shot up at the sound of the cell door opening. Joey, who is always ready for a fight, jumped to his feet with his hands up in a boxing position.
"Tarik there is no need for that." Mai said simply
"Oh it's just you guys. I thought it was those damn guards again."
"Well if you're that disappointed we can always leave."
"That won't be necessary Ma'at. Why don't you go and get a weapon for both Tarik and Shadi well I explain to the what is going to happen." Sharifa stated simply
Mai left the cell and Sharifa begun to explain to the boys exactly what she had explained to the others. A few minutes later Mai returned with a sword for both Joey and Shadi. Shadi was now supporting Kaiba and Joey was supporting Yami as they made their way out of the cell and back up the passage way. The trip back to Serenity's room was slower because of the fact the neither Kaiba or Yami could really walk even with help.
When they finally reached Serenity's room they laid both boys down on the bed and Sharifa started to give out further instructions.
"I am going to need both Ishizu and Safiya's help for this next step as well as Hondo and Shadi's. Tarik and Ma'at you will be our lookouts just incase Marik or one of the others decides to come up here. The sleeping spell I used only works on the guards because that is whom I aimed it at.
Okay first we are going to take care of Queen Nefertiti and Pharaoh Yami. Tarik and Hondo I need both of you to support the Pharaoh and follow me. Ishizu, Ma'at and Lady Safiya please follow me as well, Shadi wait here with Lord Seto and Mokuba."
The seven of them made their way swiftly across the hall to the Sorceress' room where the Queen was being kept. Slowly Sharifa opened the door to Nefertiti's room and found Nefertiti asleep in bed. Sharifa quietly told each of them where they needed to be in the room well Mai waited outside as a look out.
Joey and Tristan stood on the left side of the room right across from Nefertiti's bed and right in front of the balcony. Sharifa, Ishizu and Serenity placed themselves at the foot of the bed facing Nefertiti. Once in position they nodded to Sharifa indicating that they were ready.
"Okay now what ever you see do not move unless I tell you to." Sharifa turned to face the two girls, "The incantation I am about to tell you will not work unless all three of us say it at the same time okay?"
"Okay." Serenity and Ishizu replied in unison.
"The incantation is: Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love."
"Okay that sounds easy enough." Said Serenity
"I'm ready." Added Ishizu
"Okay let me just wake up Nefertiti and the minute she wakes up we have to begin." Sharifa faced Nefertiti "Nefertiti wake up!"
Nefertiti sat up with a start a looked right at the girls
"What are you doing here?!?!"
"Now!" Yelled Sharifa
"Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love." The girls began
"What in Ra's name are you doing." But she was cute short as her Bracelet begun to emit a faint white light and Yami's Puzzle began to do the same. "Yami?"
"Nefer-Nefertiti?" Yami was waking up
Once Yami recognized Nefertiti's voice and opened his eyes to see her the white lights coming from their Items grew stronger and shot into the piercing the light that came from the others Item. Once the lights had touched each other they became a radiant golden color and engulfed both Nefertiti and Yami in simmering golden orbs. (Alexia: think of the scene in Disney's Little Mermaid where that golden stuff engulfed Ariel and she got legs. Well that is exactly what this looks like only no one is getting legs.) When the light had hit Yami it threw Joey and Tristan onto the ground.
Inside the golden orbs what looked like glitter was swirling around them as a small flame gradually began to burn over their hearts and increasingly grew bigger until it surrounded their whole bodies. Once the fire surrounded both of them the orbs moved closer to each other until they met in the middle of the room and merged with the other. The fires touched and the whole room seemed to have caught fire as it unexpectedly erupted and disappeared just as fast.
The fire and the golden orbs were gone but the glittery stuff continued to swirl around Yami and Nefertiti who now both had a golden aura around them. Yami held Nefertiti in his arms as the descended back to the ground. As their feet touched the ground they opened their eyes seeing each other for the first time without the ring's spell.
"Yami I am so sorry. I didn't mean to."
"It's alright, it's over now."
Yami brushed a strand of hair out of Tea's face, yes she is back, and drew her into a kiss. The kiss caused the glitter to swirl faster and the golden light to become brighter then disappear. The girls stopped chanting and Joey not being able to resist walked right up to Yami and slapped him on the back.
"Good to have you back."
"Tarik!" Every one yelled
"What?"
"Nothing." Said Yami
"Lets just let these two have some time alone." Said Serenity
"We have to finish what we came to do." Stated Sharifa "Lets go and get Lord Seto and fix the others. Pharaoh Yami I will explain more later, but for now we must go and you must stay here."
"I understand."
They left Yami and Tea in Tea's room and headed back to Serenity's room. Mokuba and Shadi were waiting patiently for them to return. Sharifa instructed Tristan and Shadi to support Seto and for Ishizu, Serenity, Mokuba, Mai and Joey to follow them. This time they made their way down the hall to the Pharaoh's room where Isis was being kept.
Slowly Sharifa opened the door to Isis' room and found Isis also asleep in her bed and Marik was nowhere in sight. Sharifa quietly told each of them where they needed to be in the room well Mai and Joey waited outside as the lookouts.
Shadi and Tristan stood on the left side of the room right across from Isis' bed and right in front of one of the balconies. Sharifa, Ishizu and Serenity placed themselves at the foot of the bed facing Isis. Once in position they nodded to Sharifa indicating that they were ready.
"Okay now what ever you see do not move unless I tell you to." Sharifa told Shadi "Remember the incantation will not work unless all three of us say it at the same time."
"We remember." Said Serenity and Ishizu
"Okay let me just wake up Isis and the minute she wakes up we have to begin." Sharifa faced Isis "Isis wake up!"
Isis sat up with a start a looked right at the girls with a look of anger on her face
"What the hell are you doing here?!?!"
"Now!" Yelled Sharifa
"Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love." The girls chanted once more
"What in Ra's name are you doing." But she was cute short as her Necklace begun to emit a faint white light and some how Seto's right hand was emitting a faint white light to. "Seto?"
"I-Isis?" Seto was waking up
Once Seto recognized Isis' voice and opened his eyes to see her the white lights coming from his right hand and her Item grew stronger and shot into the piercing the light that came from the other. Once the lights had touched each other they became a radiant golden color and engulfed both Isis and Seto in simmering golden orbs. (Alexia: Once again think of the Little Mermaid.) When the light had hit Seto it threw Shadi and Tristan onto the ground.
Inside the golden orbs what looked like glitter was swirling around them as a small flame gradually began to burn over their hearts and increasingly grew bigger until it surrounded their whole bodies. Once the fire surrounded both of them the orbs moved closer to each other until they met in the middle of the room and merged with the other. The fires touched and the whole room seemed to have caught fire as it unexpectedly erupted and disappeared just as fast.
The fire and the golden orbs were gone but the glittery stuff continued to swirl around Seto and Isis who now both had a golden aura around them. Seto held Isis in his arms as the descended back to the ground. As their feet touched the ground they opened their eyes seeing each other for the first time without the ring's spell.
"Seto your okay! I am so sorry I would never hurt you like that on purpose."
"I know you wouldn't."
Seto stroked Isis' cheek, yes she is back too, and drew her into a kiss. The kiss caused the glitter to swirl faster and the golden light to become brighter then disappear.
"Big brother your back!" Mokuba ran up to Seto and knelt down and hugged him
"Well I'm glad that's over." Said Tristan
"Wait one minute. You all just saw that?" Asked Seto and he didn't look too pleased
"Yeah they all saw it including me." Joey said from the door
"Why you annoying mutt! I'm going to kill you!"
"Don't you even think about it!" Ariel grabbed Seto by the arm and held him back
"What!"
"You can kill him later right now we need to figure out what we are going to do about Marik and the others."
"Lady Isis I have that already worked out." Said Sharifa
"Okay then lets hear it." At that point Yami and Tea walked into Ariel's room.
"First off we will take the guys back down to their cell and wake up the guards, but not before Lady Isis makes a copy of the keys. We will also hide weapons with them in their cell. Pharaoh Yami and Lord Seto must pretend that their souls are still broken basically you can walk on your own and you must look like you have been drugged. One by one they will take you out to witness your loved ones weddings to another man."
"Now wait just one minute!" Joey yelled
"There is nothing to worry about Tarik only the High Priest and the Pharaoh can perform wedding ceremonies and Marik is not the Pharaoh and Bakura is not the High Priest therefore the weddings will not be legal. All of you must pretend to be very heart broken and break down. Once all the weddings are over there will be a hug reception at which point I will come back down to the dungeon, for they will have returned you to your cell, pretending to be bringing you food. Once you guys see me unlock the cell door and run to the banquet hall it won't be that hard to find and then the battle will begin.
Now as for you girls Lady Isis and Queen Nefertiti you must pretend like you are still under the power of the rings and if you notice they are no longer black. Lady Isis you must place and illusion spell on the rings that will make anyone who sees them think they are still black. Lady Safiya you must also pretend you are still under the power of your ring only you don't have to give into everything right away fight a little. After each of your wedding ceremonies are done you will be taken back up to your rooms to change for the reception. I will have hidden a weapon for each of you under your pillows. Once the boys have stormed the hall you will be able to fight as well." Sharifa sounded like she was done but she turned to Mai, "Oh and Ma'at fight a lot tomorrow that way they won't think anything is up and so how tomorrow we have to get the Millennium Rod away from Marik and back to Lord Seto. Lady Isis that will be you job. Now all of you say you good byes we must get the boys back downstairs, we are just lucky no one heard what we did tonight."
(WOW this is 20 pages on Word!!! I think this is the most I have ever written!!! It looks like it is the end of the bad guys plan but then again who knows what those guys can do. Is that a good thing? Oh well you will just have to wait and see what happens. The next chapter will not be up until after the New Year, so hopefully and I do mean hopefully I can get that one up faster. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!!! Happy Holidays!!! And Happy New Year!!! Don't forget to review!!!)
Quick Thank Yous:
Kistune-Yasha: I lam glad you like how I twist everything around I enjoy doing it! ^_^ It is also good that you know enough about Yu-Gi-Oh to be able to follow my story, that is so great!!!! Oh by the way I really, really liked your story. You are a very good writer as well continue writing stories!!!! ^_^
Ginnymaepotter: I am sorry I kept you waiting so long, but here is the next chapter!!! Enjoy!!!!
Avelyn Lauren: You liked the dueling!!! Great!!! I love to duel it is so much fun!!! Who knows if Seto will or will not except his role in this whole thing or not, but Ariel might be able to help him see what it is. I am sorry for making you wait so long me to put up a chapter again, but sadly it couldn't be helped. Sorry.
Kaz: Sorry about the cliff hanger but I had to leave it off there b/c I had no idea what to write after that plus I just wanted leave you guys in suspense. PLEASE DON'T KILL ME FOR IT!!!! I still can't believe you guys like my story this much I am still in shock, but it makes me happy!!! ^_^
Angel355: Thank you for waiting SO patiently!!! I hope you like this chapter!!!
Disclaimer: As before: I DON'T OWN YU-GI-OH!!!! Thank you!! ^_^
Character's Egyptian Names
Serenity = Safiya
Joey = Tarik
Tristan = Hondo
Mai = Ma'at
Gozaburo = Gahiji
Pegasus = Runihura
Chapter Twelve: Remembrance
Knowing that the whole palace was focused of the duels taking place Mai and Ishizu begin forming a plan. They both knew that Tea and Ariel we beyond their help at the moment, but there might still something that they could do for Serenity. To pull the plan off they needed to get Joey, Tristan and Shadi out of the dungeon a hard task considering all the guards. But as always Ishizu had come up with a plan, they would put the guards to sleep.
"Okay so how are we going to do that? I mean you're not a sorceress are you?"
"No I'm not but there is a special powder that the Egyptians use to help them sleep. Given the right dosage it will ease you into a restful sleep, but if you exceed that amount then you will be render unconscious for hours."
"And exactly how are we going to get this sleeping powder?"
"In the washroom, everyone has it. Now go look out the door and see how many guards there are."
Mai opened the door and peered out. There were five guards in the hall.
"There are five of them."
"It's a good thing that they keep the rooms of nobility stocked with wine."
Ishizu went to the cupboard on the far end of the room and opened it. Inside there was a number of wine jars full of the palaces finest wine along with numerous golden chalices.
"We will fill these with wine and dissolve the powder in the wine. The powder dissolves easily and has no color or taste."
When the chalices were filled with the drugged wine Mai and Ishizu prepared to serve it to the guards.
"Ishizu if there is one thing I know about men is that they get even stupider around attractive women so all we have to do is flirt with them and they won't question a thing."
"You better be right Ma'at."
Ishizu and Mai walked out of the room and offered the chalices to the guards at the same time flirting with them. It took Ishizu a few minutes before she had the two guards she was talking to eating out of her hand. Mai on the other hand had the other three guards eating out of her hands the minute she opened her mouth.
Five minutes later the guards were out cold on the floor and Mai and Ishizu were smiling with satisfaction.
"I am so glad we didn't have any problems." Ishizu slumped into one of the chairs
"I told you." Mai smiled
"Oh shut up Ma'at!" Ishizu through one of the pillows on the chair at Mai, "Now I want you to go down and get the boys out of the dungeon well I stay here with Safiya. And before you ask why it is because you are better at fighting then I am."
"Well I guess it is now or never."
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The voice came from behind Mai
Ishizu stood up and Mai turned to face the door where the voice had come from. Standing in the doorway was an elderly Egyptian woman in the simple dress of a handmaid. She looked completely harmless but the girls had learned from their past experiences that everything can be dangerous.
"Who are you?" Ishizu asked the woman
"I am Sharifa one of the Lady Isis' handmaids as well as a intermediate sorceress. Although I should be asking you the same question?"
"What are you talking about?" Ishizu was trying not to sound worried
"You are not the Ishizu and Ma'at from the past. You two are only half of them and half of a new person from another life."
"And how can you be so sure?"
"If you truly were the Ishizu and Ma'at of the past would have had to use the sleeping powder on those men. Ma'at could have knocked them out in one swift motion or you Ishizu could have used a simple spell to do it. Then again as you said you are not a sorceress more correctly you don't remember that you are one."
"So we don't know as much as we thought we did about our past lives?" Mai asked
"You are learning and becoming who you once were. Your past lives are merging with your lives now as Ishizu has already realized by noticing that you can no longer call each other by your future names. This means that both of you will soon begin to remember the powers you once had." She paused for a moment letting her words sink in, "Now as for you Ma'at you will accompany me down to the dungeon wearing this." Sharifa handed Mai a handmaid's dress and a dagger. "We will pretend we are taking breakfast down to the prisoners. The guards won't suspect a thing until it is to late."
Mai went into the washroom and changed into the dress well Sharifa continued to talk to Ishizu.
"Now I must ask why you haven't given the High Priestess her Item. I know that helps them fight off the effects of the rings."
"I know that but the Scale was taken from me last night before the banquet and I hadn't had a chance to see Safiya up till then."
"Who took it?"
"My brother Marik."
"I see."
"Well I'm ready." Mai walked out of the washroom, "I make even this outfit look good."
Mai and Sharifa made there way quietly down towards the passage to the dungeon thankful that they had not met any guards. However Mai stayed very alert to every small noise and was ready to grab the dagger at a moments notice.
The route that they took to the dungeons passage lead them right passed the door to the arena where the duels were taking place; at that moment Yami and Tea were in the middle of their duel. As Mai heard Tea call out the name of a monster she had to fight hard against the urge to run into the arena and stop the duel.
They made there way passed the doors by using the columns on the far end of the entrance hall of the arena, slipping quickly between them so as not to be noticed. Councilmen and guards were waiting in the entrance hall for news of what was happening. Guards were standing as if built out of stone and the councilmen were pacing the marble floor impatiently occasionally pausing to talk to one another. Finally after what seemed like hours of breathlessness they had made it through the entrance hall and found themselves in a hallway with several passages to choose from.
Sharifa lead Mai down to the very end of the hall and instructed her to open the door that was at the very end, it was to heavy for her to. Sharifa then lead Mai left into a small room full of cupboards. Sharifa moved quickly around the room pulling out trays, cups, bowls, and utensils. Then in the bowls she poured some fowl smelling goop, which they feed to the prisoners. She handed Mai one of the trays and carried the other two herself.
Leaving the room they headed straight down a long dimly lit passage walking quickly and quietly. The passage, Mai noticed, seemed to spiral downwards and the further down they went the colder it got. They continued to descend and as they did the air got colder and the light dimmer. At last, when Mai felt like she was going to drop the tray, they heard voices coming from behind a closed door not to far in front of them and they seemed to be arguing. Mai recognized one of those voices as Joey's and stopped immediately.
"What is it Ma'at?"
"That voice it is Tarik's."
"Your fiancée?"
"Yes my.wait my what?"
"Your fiancée, oh that's right you don't remember. Well you two were to be married after the war."
"Yeah whatever you say. Lets just get going." Mai begun to walk forward
"Wait let me go in first they know me. Now keep your head down and don't look them in the eyes and they will leave you alone."
"Alright, if I must."
Sharifa walked up to the door and using her foot knocked twice on the door. One of the guards opened it and she walked in head bowed, Mai followed suite.
"So you guys finally decided to bring the food? It's about time they have been causing a problems, Mainly that blonde boy." Said one of the guards
"Hey look there's a new one." The second guard grabbed Mai by the arm. Mai had to control the urge to punch. "Hey she's a cute one."
Joey looked through the bars to see what all the fuss was about and saw the guard holding Mai. He was ready to yell at the guard to get his hands off her when her eyes met his and told him to control himself.
"Sir please release her." Sharifa asked without even looking at the guard
"Why should I?" The guard looked Mai up and down
"She works for the Pharaoh and is only down here with me because I need a hand. I would hate to see what would happen if this girl was harmed in any way."
The guard quickly released Mai.
"Go on with your business and get out of here." The guard unlocked the door to the cell and the girls walked in.
Pretend that she didn't know then Mai walked over to Joey and handed him his food. Sharifa gave Shadi his food and then gave a very sickly looking Tristan his food then quickly left the cell. Mai slowly made her way out, but when she got out a surprise met her eyes. All four guards were lying unconscious on the floor.
"What did you do to them?"
"I used a sleeping spell on them. They will be out until I lift the spell." Sharifa bent down and removed the keys from around one of the guard's waist.
Mai ran back into the cell to Joey.
"Tarik!"
Joey threw his food aside and pulled Mai into his arms then into a kiss.
"Awe to be young and in love."
Joey and Mai pulled apart Mai looked at Sharifa with a smirk on her face and Joey kept his head down trying to hide the fact that he was blushing.
"Tarik what's wrong with Hondo?"
"I don't know he just started acting like that last night."
"It must be because of Safiya."
"Why? What happened to my sister?"
"Oh god Tarik I am sorry, but Duke put the other Ring of Possession on her. She can't even get out of bed."
"I am going to kill him when I get out of here!"
"Later Tarik, right now we need to get Hondo up to Safiya. The only thing that can strengthen her against the rings power is true love." Sharifa walked over to Tristan who was sitting in the corner "Hondo get up now, stop sulking. There is still something we can do for Safiya but it requires you to get off you butt." Tristan didn't move "NOW!!" Tristan got up "That's better. Now follow me."
Sharifa lead Tristan out of the cell and told him to wait for her.
"Ma'at come with me, Tarik and Shadi you to stay here. I am going to wake the guards up now, but I am going to put them under my control. They will seem to be themselves but at any moment I can tell them what to do. I will also know everything that happens down here. Now so that the other guards that will be coming down here don't think anything funny is going on make a small bed over there in the corner where Hondo was and make it looks like he is sleeping in it."
Mai followed Sharifa reluctantly out of the cell and lead Tristan into the passage outside of the dungeon. Mai only had to wait a minute before Sharifa came out and began leading them back up the passageway.
The trip back seemed easy now that they knew exactly how to do it. Tristan didn't cause any problem he just did whatever they told him to and stay in kind of a stupor. After passing once more through the entrance way they made their way swiftly to Safiya's room.
Ishizu who was waiting for them jumped when the door opened.
"Oh it is only you. I was worried that it would be some one else. Why did you bring only Hondo?"
"We needed the other two to stay down there for the time being so that they were there when Pharaoh Yami and High Priest Seto are brought back down. Has there been any change in the High Priestess?"
"She is awake but is not saying much."
Tristan looked up and seeing Serenity ran to her.
"What is wrong with her?" He acted like he had never been in the trance
"Look at her left hand." Instructed Sharifa Tristan picked up her left hand and saw a ring with a single blood red ruby on it and dropped her hand quickly.
"What is that?"
"It is the third Ring of Possession."
"Marik and Bakura used those on Isis and Nefertiti. Shadi told us. But why is Safiya like this, that didn't happen to the others?"
"Safiya doesn't have her Item otherwise this wouldn't happen."
"Well the what do we do?"
"We can't do anything but you can."
"What can I do?"
"Kiss her."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
Tristan looked at Serenity whose eyes were opened but didn't even notice instead they looked trough him. Tristan leaned close to her ear.
"Come back to me Safiya." He whispered in her ear and then he softly kissed her on the lips. (Alexia: Kind of sounds like Sleeping Beauty doesn't it?)
Slowly Tristan deepened the kiss and as he did the other noticed Serenity's eyes closing once more. Although Tristan didn't notice this he did, however, notice that little by little Serenity began to return the kiss. As she did memories of her and Tristan together began to flow through her mind and she began to remember what had happened the night before. Her mind became stronger and the hold the ring had on her body causing it to become weak was diminishing. Slowly she lifted her hand up and placed it on Tristan shoulder and gently pushed him away then gradually sat up.
"So what took you so long Hondo?" Serenity smiled
"You know boys Safiya, they always take forever to get anything done." Mai remarked causing everyone to start laughing
"The first duel is over." Sharifa stated grimly
"How do you know?" ask Ishizu "They have just brought Pharaoh Yami back down to the dungeon and he doesn't look good."
"What do you mean not to good?" Hondo was now standing
"The guards have to support him on their shoulders but his feet are still dragging and.and." Sharifa stopped a horrified look on her face
"What is it?" Hondo raised his voice slightly
"His-his soul has been broken"
No one said anything they just sat in silence hoping that some how Sharifa would be wrong. Silent minutes passed and turned into a silent hour, finally the silence was broken by Sharifa.
"It is finished. The second phase of Marik's plan is complete. The High Priest soul has been broken. Now is the time to finish my plan."
"So what are we going to do?" asked Serenity
"Once every one has gone to bed we, that is Ma'at and myself, will go back down to the dungeon to get the others. We will pretend that we have come to collect the food dishes. Then I will place the guards under the sleeping spell again. Once we get back up here we will use the spell of Remembrance on the Queen and the Sorceress to restore them as well as restoring the Pharaoh and the High Priest."
"Is there more?" Asked Hondo
"Yes but not that I can tell you at the moment. Now Ishizu and Ma'at need to go back to their rooms and I must go back to the Sorceress' room. Hondo you stay here with High Priestess Safiya, if someone comes in hide quickly in washroom. Understand?" All of them nodded to show that they understood. "Good. Now lets go."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Marik watched with great pleasure as two guards dragged an unconscious Seto out of the dueling arena. He was even more pleased to see that Isis was enjoying this. Marik could also no longer sense Ariel inside of Isis. It seems that Ariel had been locked deep inside the soul room of the Millennium Necklace and that Isis' souls was broken and remade exactly how he desired it to be. Marik wondered if it was the same for Bakura with Nefertiti.
"Shall we go to the celebration banquet my love?"
"Of course." Marik offered his arm to Isis who gladly took it. They walked out of the room followed by Gozaburo and Pegasus who both seemed a little too happy. Pegasus was happy because when Marik had remade Isis soul he had made it so that Isis thought Pegasus was a wonderful father. Gozaburo on the other hand was happy because he had the pleasure of seeing his traitor of an adopted son broken into pieces by the one he loved. Now it would be all too easy to take over Kaiba Corp one more and return it to the company it was meant to be.
The four of them entered a dinning room that was smaller then the one from the night before where the other banquet had been. There already waiting for them was Bakura and Nefertiti as well as Duke, Keith and Jackson. Surprisingly Serenity and Mai were now where to been seen.
"Is there some reason the other girls are not here? Duke? Keith?" Marik looked at the two
"Safiya is not feeling good my Pharaoh." Answered Duke well bowing
"While that was to be suspected. You did give her the ring?"
"Yes my Pharaoh."
"Now why is the lovely Ma'at not here Keith?"
"I couldn't get her to come out of her room."
"Excuse me?"
"She won't come out of her room and she seems to have remember the strength and abilities that she had before. Every guard that has tried to get her to come out has sustained serious injuries my Pharaoh."
"Very well, I suppose my sister has remembered her powers as well. That is undoubtedly why she is not here with us."
"That is correct my Pharaoh." Commented Jackson
"Well did my daughter say yes?" asked Pegasus now entering the room
"Did I say yes to what?" Isis was a little confused
"Did you say yes to this," Marik got down onto one knee "You already have the ring on, but will you marry me?"
"Yes!" Marik stood up and kissed Isis
"My daughter I am so happy for you!"
Pegasus embraced Isis and Isis returned the embrace.
"I am so proud of you!"
"Thanks daddy!" Pegasus kissed Isis on the forehead
Every one followed suit in congratulating Marik and Isis the soon to be new Pharaoh and Queen. Shortly after Bakura formally asked Nefertiti to marry him and she too accepted his proposal and there was another wave of congratulations going around the room. Nefertiti and Isis went off to the terrace to talk and make wedding arrangements while waiting for lunch to be served.
"I can't believe I am finally getting married." Isis was ecstatic
"I know who ever thought anyone would want to marry you."
"Hey! Well one person did and I am not talking about Marik."
"Oh come on forget about him. I mean he was just a lowlife who used his powers to take control of you."
"I know but still."
"Listen forget about him, you have Pharaoh Marik now." Nefertiti gave Isis a hug, "Just forget about the former High Priest Seto."
The minute the words High Priest Seto came out of Nefertiti's mouth Isis went ridged and lost all sense of sight and sound. Her body become limp as she slumped to the floor while her Necklace emitted a faint golden light.
"My Pharaoh! Come quickly! Something is wrong with Isis!"
Marik, Pegasus and Bakura came running out to the terrace to find Isis passed out on the ground.
"What happened?" demanded Marik
"I am not sure, one minute we were talking and the next she just passed out."
"Runihura run and fetch the doctor! Quickly!"
"Yes my Pharaoh." Pegasus ran back into the dinning hall quickly leaving once again to find the doctor.
Isis heard all this commotion but it sounded so far off and quickly getting further away till her sense of hearing was almost completely gone. With a rush of cold wind Isis felt herself spinning through a whirlwind of cold air. She seemed to be spinning and falling at the same time; she tried to put her hands out to stop herself but there was nothing there but empty space. Just when Isis was getting ready to panic she felt her touch solid ground and she dared to open her eyes.
The sight before her caught her completely off guard she was now standing in the middle of the execution pavilion surrounded by people none of which were looking at her, but instead were looking past her. Isis understood now the Necklace was showing her a glimpse of the future and it appears that someone was to be executed.
The crowd around her began to both cheer and protest as the palace guards brought whomever it was out to the execution block. Isis turned to meet whoever it was and to her delight it was the vile High Priest Seto. Isis was relieved to see that he was getting exactly what he deserved, but amongst her feeling of joy there was a hint of sadness like that of a heart break. Confused Isis pushed that feeling to the back of her mind and watched as Seto was made to kneel before the block.
The crowd continued to cheer and protest as the executioner made and few practice swings on the block behind him. Finally the executioner was ready to proceed; placing the ax on Seto's neck he brought it up above his head then swung. The ax however stopped in mid air, time had frozen.
Seto stood up and walked up to an utterly shocked Isis blue eyes locking with blue eyes. A light breeze blew a strand of Isis' golden hair into her face, but she paid it no mind as she watched Seto get closer and closer. Seto was now face to face with Isis who could think of anything to do or say. Seto on the other hand gently brushed the strand of hair out of her face and embraced her; Isis was not pleased at all about this and pushed him away.
"How dare you touch me like that after what you did."
"Isis what in Ra's name are you talking about?"
"You know perfectly well what I am talking about. You used your powers as a Priest to control my mind making me believe that I loved you. You turned me against my own father and against the only man that I ever loved."
Seto looked at her for a moment trying hard to understand what had happened to her because this was not the Ariel that he remembered. Then again the last thing he could remember was Ariel kissing Marik and then shooting him with a black orb followed by pain beyond anything he had ever felt and then nothing. He had woken up in the darkness and that is where he had been up until now.
It seemed that after Seto's soul had been broken it had retreated into the Millennium Necklace and taken refuge in one of the soul rooms. Then when the Necklace decided to show Isis what would happen to Seto if she married Marik; Seto had unknowingly taken the chance to speak with her.
"I don't know what Marik has done to you but I would never dream of doing anything like that to you. But if you can't remember how you felt about me then at least remember Mokuba."
Time started once again, Seto was back on the execution block and the ax was about to hit his neck. Abruptly the ax stopped on Seto's neck, which produced a trickle blood.
"My life is in your hands." Came Seto's voice
"Isis wake up!" Marik was shaking her
Isis' eyes shot open and met Nefertiti's. Isis' arm lounged forward grabbing Nefertiti's wrist on which she wore the Millennium Bracelet.
"Your turn." Was all Isis said
The Bracelet produced a faint golden light well the Necklace produced a faint white light. The two lights shot into the air meeting each other right above the girls then engulfed Nefertiti.
Nefertiti heard Isis' voice but it sounded so far off and quickly getting further away till her sense of hearing was almost completely gone. With a rush of cold wind Nefertiti felt herself spinning through a whirlwind of cold air. She seemed to be spinning and falling at the same time; she tried to put her hands out to stop herself but there was nothing there but empty space. Just when Nefertiti was getting ready to panic she felt her touch solid ground and she dared to open her eyes.
The sight before her caught her completely off guard she was now standing in the middle of the execution pavilion surrounded by people none of which were looking at her, but instead were looking past her. Nefertiti understood now the Necklace transferred the ability to show the future to her Bracelet and was showing her a glimpse of the future and it appears that someone was to be executed.
The crowd around her began to both cheer and protest as the palace guards brought whomever it was out to the execution block. Nefertiti turned to meet whoever it was and to her delight it was the despicable former pharaoh Yami. Nefertiti was relieved to see that he was getting exactly what he deserved, but amongst her feeling of joy there was a hint of sadness like that of a heart break. Confused Nefertiti pushed that feeling to the back of her mind and watched as Yami was made to kneel before the block.
The crowd continued to cheer and protest as the executioner made and few practice swings on the block behind him. Finally the executioner was ready to proceed; placing the ax on Yami's neck he brought it up above his head then swung, but the ax stopped on Yami's neck, which produced a trickle blood.
"His life is in your hands." Came Isis' voice
Nefertiti's eyes shot open and she was breathing fast. She was also no longer on her feet but laying on the ground with her head in Bakura's lap.
"Are you alright Nefertiti?" Bakura's eyes were full of concern
"Yeah I fine."
"What happened?" Marik looked from Isis to Nefertiti
"It must be the heat and exhaustion. Once we have had some food and water we will be just fine." Isis said quickly for she knew that both her and Nefertiti wanted didn't want to tell them what had just happened.
Marik and Bakura helped the girls back onto their feet and back into the dinning hall where lunch was now being served.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Stars filled the inky black sky that came with the evening as once again an unnerving silence fell over the land of Egypt. The corridors of the palace were empty except for the guards that were fighting the urge to lie down on the marble floors and sleep. Upstairs, however, a maid could be observed going from room to room finishing the night's chores.
This maid of course was Sharifa and she was not doing chores quite the contrary she was actually making sure that the others were ready to begun their tasks as soon as the clock struck midnight. Once Sharifa had made sure every one was ready she returned to Isis' room to wait for midnight.
Tristan who was still hiding in Serenity's room and had spent the rest of the afternoon and most of the evening hiding in the washroom and diving under the bed because he had to constantly hide from Duke. The worst part wasn't even the hiding it was the fact that he had to watch Duke kiss Serenity and Serenity having to pretend she was enjoying it. If Tristan could have had his way he would have strangled Duke on the spot, but no he had to hide under a damn bed!
Finally Duke made his last visit at about eight in the evening and thankfully it was short. Serenity on the other hand was weary for every time Duke had come to visit her she had to fight off the power of the ring which was half forcing her to do his bidding. Now Serenity lie sleeping in her bed and Tristan lying beside her stroking her hair and wishing they could be somewhere else.
Waiting for midnight was not easy especially for Mai who was beginning to remember even more of her past life, Ma'at was now merging with Mai. Mai had all these ideas of how to get the boys out of the dungeon running through her head, but she knew that all of them were to rash.
Finally after a long wait midnight had come and Ishizu, Sharifa and Mai made their way to Serenity's room. Sharifa was the first out of her room and placed a heavy sleeping spell on the guards so that they could no longer fight the urge to go to sleep. Instead the guards fell to the floor one by one and began to snore.
When they reached Serenity's room they each knocked on the door three times to indicate that it was not the guards and each time Tristan answered the door. Once every one was there Sharifa began to explain once more what they were going to do.
"Okay Ma'at and myself are going to go back down to the dungeon to get the others. We will pretend that we have come to collect the food dishes. Then I will place the guards under the sleeping spell again. Once we get back up here we will use the spell of Remembrance on the Queen and the Sorceress to restore them as well as restoring the Pharaoh and the High Priest."
After that brief explanation Mai and Sharifa left the room and head for the dungeon once again. Mai and Sharifa made there way quietly down towards the passage to the dungeon thankful that all the guards had been affected by Sharifa's spell. However Mai stayed very alert to every little noise and was ready to grab the dagger at a moments notice.
This time upon entering the door to the dungeon they just walked in and found the guards on the floor sleeping just like the rest. Sharifa removed the keys from one of the guard's belts and unlocked the cell door. The guys, who had also been asleep, shot up at the sound of the cell door opening. Joey, who is always ready for a fight, jumped to his feet with his hands up in a boxing position.
"Tarik there is no need for that." Mai said simply
"Oh it's just you guys. I thought it was those damn guards again."
"Well if you're that disappointed we can always leave."
"That won't be necessary Ma'at. Why don't you go and get a weapon for both Tarik and Shadi well I explain to the what is going to happen." Sharifa stated simply
Mai left the cell and Sharifa begun to explain to the boys exactly what she had explained to the others. A few minutes later Mai returned with a sword for both Joey and Shadi. Shadi was now supporting Kaiba and Joey was supporting Yami as they made their way out of the cell and back up the passage way. The trip back to Serenity's room was slower because of the fact the neither Kaiba or Yami could really walk even with help.
When they finally reached Serenity's room they laid both boys down on the bed and Sharifa started to give out further instructions.
"I am going to need both Ishizu and Safiya's help for this next step as well as Hondo and Shadi's. Tarik and Ma'at you will be our lookouts just incase Marik or one of the others decides to come up here. The sleeping spell I used only works on the guards because that is whom I aimed it at.
Okay first we are going to take care of Queen Nefertiti and Pharaoh Yami. Tarik and Hondo I need both of you to support the Pharaoh and follow me. Ishizu, Ma'at and Lady Safiya please follow me as well, Shadi wait here with Lord Seto and Mokuba."
The seven of them made their way swiftly across the hall to the Sorceress' room where the Queen was being kept. Slowly Sharifa opened the door to Nefertiti's room and found Nefertiti asleep in bed. Sharifa quietly told each of them where they needed to be in the room well Mai waited outside as a look out.
Joey and Tristan stood on the left side of the room right across from Nefertiti's bed and right in front of the balcony. Sharifa, Ishizu and Serenity placed themselves at the foot of the bed facing Nefertiti. Once in position they nodded to Sharifa indicating that they were ready.
"Okay now what ever you see do not move unless I tell you to." Sharifa turned to face the two girls, "The incantation I am about to tell you will not work unless all three of us say it at the same time okay?"
"Okay." Serenity and Ishizu replied in unison.
"The incantation is: Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love."
"Okay that sounds easy enough." Said Serenity
"I'm ready." Added Ishizu
"Okay let me just wake up Nefertiti and the minute she wakes up we have to begin." Sharifa faced Nefertiti "Nefertiti wake up!"
Nefertiti sat up with a start a looked right at the girls
"What are you doing here?!?!"
"Now!" Yelled Sharifa
"Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love." The girls began
"What in Ra's name are you doing." But she was cute short as her Bracelet begun to emit a faint white light and Yami's Puzzle began to do the same. "Yami?"
"Nefer-Nefertiti?" Yami was waking up
Once Yami recognized Nefertiti's voice and opened his eyes to see her the white lights coming from their Items grew stronger and shot into the piercing the light that came from the others Item. Once the lights had touched each other they became a radiant golden color and engulfed both Nefertiti and Yami in simmering golden orbs. (Alexia: think of the scene in Disney's Little Mermaid where that golden stuff engulfed Ariel and she got legs. Well that is exactly what this looks like only no one is getting legs.) When the light had hit Yami it threw Joey and Tristan onto the ground.
Inside the golden orbs what looked like glitter was swirling around them as a small flame gradually began to burn over their hearts and increasingly grew bigger until it surrounded their whole bodies. Once the fire surrounded both of them the orbs moved closer to each other until they met in the middle of the room and merged with the other. The fires touched and the whole room seemed to have caught fire as it unexpectedly erupted and disappeared just as fast.
The fire and the golden orbs were gone but the glittery stuff continued to swirl around Yami and Nefertiti who now both had a golden aura around them. Yami held Nefertiti in his arms as the descended back to the ground. As their feet touched the ground they opened their eyes seeing each other for the first time without the ring's spell.
"Yami I am so sorry. I didn't mean to."
"It's alright, it's over now."
Yami brushed a strand of hair out of Tea's face, yes she is back, and drew her into a kiss. The kiss caused the glitter to swirl faster and the golden light to become brighter then disappear. The girls stopped chanting and Joey not being able to resist walked right up to Yami and slapped him on the back.
"Good to have you back."
"Tarik!" Every one yelled
"What?"
"Nothing." Said Yami
"Lets just let these two have some time alone." Said Serenity
"We have to finish what we came to do." Stated Sharifa "Lets go and get Lord Seto and fix the others. Pharaoh Yami I will explain more later, but for now we must go and you must stay here."
"I understand."
They left Yami and Tea in Tea's room and headed back to Serenity's room. Mokuba and Shadi were waiting patiently for them to return. Sharifa instructed Tristan and Shadi to support Seto and for Ishizu, Serenity, Mokuba, Mai and Joey to follow them. This time they made their way down the hall to the Pharaoh's room where Isis was being kept.
Slowly Sharifa opened the door to Isis' room and found Isis also asleep in her bed and Marik was nowhere in sight. Sharifa quietly told each of them where they needed to be in the room well Mai and Joey waited outside as the lookouts.
Shadi and Tristan stood on the left side of the room right across from Isis' bed and right in front of one of the balconies. Sharifa, Ishizu and Serenity placed themselves at the foot of the bed facing Isis. Once in position they nodded to Sharifa indicating that they were ready.
"Okay now what ever you see do not move unless I tell you to." Sharifa told Shadi "Remember the incantation will not work unless all three of us say it at the same time."
"We remember." Said Serenity and Ishizu
"Okay let me just wake up Isis and the minute she wakes up we have to begin." Sharifa faced Isis "Isis wake up!"
Isis sat up with a start a looked right at the girls with a look of anger on her face
"What the hell are you doing here?!?!"
"Now!" Yelled Sharifa
"Soul broken and remade return to what you once were. Love that has been forgotten re-ignite and be as you are meant to be. Remember yourself and you love." The girls chanted once more
"What in Ra's name are you doing." But she was cute short as her Necklace begun to emit a faint white light and some how Seto's right hand was emitting a faint white light to. "Seto?"
"I-Isis?" Seto was waking up
Once Seto recognized Isis' voice and opened his eyes to see her the white lights coming from his right hand and her Item grew stronger and shot into the piercing the light that came from the other. Once the lights had touched each other they became a radiant golden color and engulfed both Isis and Seto in simmering golden orbs. (Alexia: Once again think of the Little Mermaid.) When the light had hit Seto it threw Shadi and Tristan onto the ground.
Inside the golden orbs what looked like glitter was swirling around them as a small flame gradually began to burn over their hearts and increasingly grew bigger until it surrounded their whole bodies. Once the fire surrounded both of them the orbs moved closer to each other until they met in the middle of the room and merged with the other. The fires touched and the whole room seemed to have caught fire as it unexpectedly erupted and disappeared just as fast.
The fire and the golden orbs were gone but the glittery stuff continued to swirl around Seto and Isis who now both had a golden aura around them. Seto held Isis in his arms as the descended back to the ground. As their feet touched the ground they opened their eyes seeing each other for the first time without the ring's spell.
"Seto your okay! I am so sorry I would never hurt you like that on purpose."
"I know you wouldn't."
Seto stroked Isis' cheek, yes she is back too, and drew her into a kiss. The kiss caused the glitter to swirl faster and the golden light to become brighter then disappear.
"Big brother your back!" Mokuba ran up to Seto and knelt down and hugged him
"Well I'm glad that's over." Said Tristan
"Wait one minute. You all just saw that?" Asked Seto and he didn't look too pleased
"Yeah they all saw it including me." Joey said from the door
"Why you annoying mutt! I'm going to kill you!"
"Don't you even think about it!" Ariel grabbed Seto by the arm and held him back
"What!"
"You can kill him later right now we need to figure out what we are going to do about Marik and the others."
"Lady Isis I have that already worked out." Said Sharifa
"Okay then lets hear it." At that point Yami and Tea walked into Ariel's room.
"First off we will take the guys back down to their cell and wake up the guards, but not before Lady Isis makes a copy of the keys. We will also hide weapons with them in their cell. Pharaoh Yami and Lord Seto must pretend that their souls are still broken basically you can walk on your own and you must look like you have been drugged. One by one they will take you out to witness your loved ones weddings to another man."
"Now wait just one minute!" Joey yelled
"There is nothing to worry about Tarik only the High Priest and the Pharaoh can perform wedding ceremonies and Marik is not the Pharaoh and Bakura is not the High Priest therefore the weddings will not be legal. All of you must pretend to be very heart broken and break down. Once all the weddings are over there will be a hug reception at which point I will come back down to the dungeon, for they will have returned you to your cell, pretending to be bringing you food. Once you guys see me unlock the cell door and run to the banquet hall it won't be that hard to find and then the battle will begin.
Now as for you girls Lady Isis and Queen Nefertiti you must pretend like you are still under the power of the rings and if you notice they are no longer black. Lady Isis you must place and illusion spell on the rings that will make anyone who sees them think they are still black. Lady Safiya you must also pretend you are still under the power of your ring only you don't have to give into everything right away fight a little. After each of your wedding ceremonies are done you will be taken back up to your rooms to change for the reception. I will have hidden a weapon for each of you under your pillows. Once the boys have stormed the hall you will be able to fight as well." Sharifa sounded like she was done but she turned to Mai, "Oh and Ma'at fight a lot tomorrow that way they won't think anything is up and so how tomorrow we have to get the Millennium Rod away from Marik and back to Lord Seto. Lady Isis that will be you job. Now all of you say you good byes we must get the boys back downstairs, we are just lucky no one heard what we did tonight."
(WOW this is 20 pages on Word!!! I think this is the most I have ever written!!! It looks like it is the end of the bad guys plan but then again who knows what those guys can do. Is that a good thing? Oh well you will just have to wait and see what happens. The next chapter will not be up until after the New Year, so hopefully and I do mean hopefully I can get that one up faster. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!!! Happy Holidays!!! And Happy New Year!!! Don't forget to review!!!)