"Arise from Darkness"
By Heikou and Janime
Chapter Twenty-Three
The Path is Set
Ryou stood upon a stone pillar with the Book of the Dead held tightly to his chest. He stared down at the two figures below him--one was dressed in white dragon-style armor, the other wearing a black leather outfit accented in red.
Both men drew their weapons and charged at each other. A flash of light and now in their places stood two young women, each held a sword whose blade was embedded in the other's chest. Their fingers slipped from the hilts and they fell, turning into white rose petals that were carried away by an unseen wind.
Another woman wearing gold appeared, kneeling where the others had fallen. Clutched in her arms was a young boy who was holding onto her just as tightly. The sound of a heartbeat echoed and they both began to glow. Soon the light enveloped them both, and spread throughout the area.
Then darkness.
"This is Nun."
Ryou looked around. "Nun?"
"The bearer of Amun-Ra," the female voice answered. "Parent to the father of all the gods. Even Ra himself knees before Nun."
"Nun... who gave birth to all..." He stared at the area where the figures had been and held the Book even tighter in his arms. "Why am I seeing this?"
"Things yet to come, young Guardian. But despite knowing the future, you can do nothing to stop it."
"But why? Who were those people? Why did those two women kill one another?" he lifted his head, feeling tears build. "Why am I forced to watch yet do nothing?"
"This is the path that has been set," she said, "I have given my warnings… but the future has not changed."
Ryou shook his head. "You're the Daughter of Isis!" he yelled. "How can you just sit and watch this happen?! There must be something we can do!"
"Always so hull of hope," her smile was in her voice, "just as you were back then."
Ryou blinked. "What are you saying?"
The Daughter of Isis held her hand out, pointing to the Book of the Dead. "It stayed with you, because you were the last to hold it. Just as the Book of Amun-Ra stayed with its Keeper."
"You mean…" He looked down at the Book in his arms. "I was the last…"
"Yes… when the Sisters of the Moon died protecting Egypt, the Guardians chose to die and follow the Sisters even in the afterlife. But before they died, the Books were hidden from sight… all except for one."
"The Book of Shadows…"
"Yes. The Keeper entrusted the Book to the Pharaoh at the time, and vanished. So the Book was kept safe but not for long. Over time as people began to forget about the Sister of the Moon, so were the Books. The royal family had no idea what happened to the books but they called them legends."
"Is that why historians never found them?" Ryou asked.
"Yes. In the wrong hands they could bring the end of life itself," the woman said.
"Why not destroy them?"
"They are too powerful. Even Ra, Osiris, and Anubis cannot destroy them."
"Can they be destroyed?"
"Only if my Mother, Isis, deems it so." The apparition wavered. "My time grows shorter with every visit that I make."
"What will happen if the Black Scorpion awakens?" Ryou asked.
"It will be as I have told the others."
"And Cheri?"
"She will fall to her father's influence," said the Daughter of Isis. "Tell me, how much to you care for your darker half?"
Ryou blinked. "He… he's like a brother to me."
"Would you follow him? No matter which path he takes?"
What kind of question is that? Ryou thought. "I don't understand what you mean."
"The King of Thieves cares deeply for the Daughter of Anubis and has vowed to follow her to the end, would you do the same for him?" she asked softly.
Ryou couldn't help but swallow. "To the end?" He didn't notice or maybe didn't care but his arms were beginning to shake. "I... Y-Yes, he's... the closest thing I have to a family... but I'm not strong like him..."
The woman seemed to smile sadly and although her form kept wavering she reached out and gently titled his face up. "Your darker self may have physical strength, but you have the spiritual strength. Don't loose that hope." Like mist she vanished into the air.
The young man didn't know what to do but he fell to his knees, clutching the Book even tighter to his chest he wasn't aware that he was crying until he felt twin tears roll down his cheeks.
--
Ryou sat upright in bed and gasping, felt his cheeks. He was mildly surprised that he found tears. Reaching between the mattress and box spring, Ryou pulled out the Book of the Dead and stared at the black metal cover.
"I don't have much of a choice in keeping you close to me," he whispered.
With the Book in his arms, Ryou quietly left his room and walked over to Bakura's. He gently pushed the door open and looked at the sleeping form on the queen bed.
The former King of Thieves was sleeping peacefully, sprawled out on his stomach on the bed. His shoulders rose and fell in time with his breathing, one arm hanging off the side of the bed as the other was wrapped around his pillow tightly. Ryou could only smile. He never knew the spirit was such a restless sleeper but his dream just right now...
Sighing he quietly closed the door and leaned against the wall. "Do I have the courage and strength, to do what is right?" he asked himself softly but he didn't have an answer for it.
--
"So how long to have to lug this thing around with me?"
"If it's that much of a hassle, you can always put it back where it came from."
Duke glared at Marik. "Not funny."
Malik sighed quietly. And they're the Daughter of Ra's Guardians?
The three walked into the Devlin's game store. It was an hour and a half before opening and it was a perfect chance to see if the Dungeon Dice Master's paranoia was true.
Setting his backpack on the counter next to him, Duke then pulled out his Dungeon Dice and set it on the counter.
For a moment nothing happened and just as Marik was going to open his mouth when the dice began to glow. They seem to explode in a burst of light the three of them were blinded. When the light died down the dice was gone.
"Where'd my dice go?" Duke asked, pushing his book bag to the side but it wasn't there.
"You sure it didn't fall to the floor?" Marik asked, rubbing his eyes. "Damn spots."
"Yeah pretty sure." Sighing Duke rolled his head back, staring at the ceiling before jumping back. A dark shadow landed stealthily on the counter, hardly making a sound. The figure was defiantly a male, wearing tight yet dark clothing that made him blend in with any and all shadows. In fact, all that could be seen were his eyes... and the gleaming dagger in his hand.
Malik hid behind Marik as the taller blonde made sure he was protected. It only took a moment but he recognized the person. "Skilled Ninja!"
The eyes narrowed but his posture didn't relax even for a moment.
Duke blinked as he got over his shock. "Wait, the Skilled Ninja? I remember he appeared during that Dungeon Dice and Monsters game I challenged Yugi to!" he exclaimed. Clearing his throat he slowly took a step to the stealthy warrior. "These are my friends. Please, put that dagger away," he said calmly, not feeling the least bit frighten.
The warrior didn't say anything but quickly, flipped the dagger so the blade was pointing towards him and slipped it into his belt. Still moving silently he landed on the floor before the young game shop owner and bowed on his hands and knees. "Hai master."
"Master? Hey as long as he's on our side," Marik said, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Um please don't bow like that. But why are you here? I didn't summon you," Duke asked as the Ninja sat up, still on his knees.
"Many monsters have escaped into your world and I fearer for your safety. Before the tear increased, I slipped through the portal but return back. But now, with more and more monsters are venturing through the portal but never returning; I became worried," the warrior explained. "Forgive me master."
"No look it's alright. I-" Everyone looked up as they heard a hurried knocking on the front door. The closed sign was still on but apparently this person was ignoring it.
"Duke please be here! It's Mina and I have something important to show you!" came the young girl's voice, worry and fear etched in her voice.
The green-eyed man turned to tell the ninja to hide but he was gone. Smiling weakly he went to the front door and let Mina in. Making sure no one saw he locked the door behind them. "Mina what's wrong? Are you okay?" he asked his girlfriend worriedly.
Mina looked at him before setting an old bag she was carrying on the table. Opening it she reached inside and pulled out a small ball of fluff. The creature was small, maybe the size of a basketball with pale cotton candy pink fur with large blue eyes and thin antennas with smaller balls of fluff at the ends. It cooed quietly.
"What... Where do you get that??" he asked with some hesitation.
"Well you see, I was going through my deck then I left my room for a moment. When I came back I found this sitting on my desk. I honestly thought he was one of my stuff toys but when he cooed I nearly screamed. Duke, my Watapon card came to life!! You have to believe me!!" she pleaded, her eyes begging for him not to laugh and call her crazy.
"Mina, calm down," Duke placed his hands on her shoulders. "I do believe you, and I have a confession to make--I've known about this for a while."
"What do you mean?"
"We can tell you," Marik said.
They explained everything while Mina sat on the chair Duke had brought out for her, as Marik and Malik explained their part in the story.
Mina closed her eyes and hugged her Watapon. "So Amierla… didn't commit suicide."
"I'm sorry, Mina," said Duke.
"When I heard... I kept asking why did she drown herself? Some of the people at school said that she was tired of losing at Duel Monsters, but she's not that shallow!" Even with her eyes closed tears still fell.
Watapon chirped/purred softly, trying to confront the young girl.
Duke was at a loss for words but hugged her as much as he could. Mina leaned into him, crying softly. Amierla may have been a bitch a lot of the time but she did have one true friend. A minute or two later Mina took a shaking breath and rubbed at her eyes.
"You okay?" Malik asked quietly. She nodded.
"If you told me this before... I would've thought you all were crazy..." She giggled as the furry Duel Monster blinked up at her. "I'm glad I came here instead of going to my parents first."
"That would not have been good," said Marik. "Who knows what they'd do to your Watapon, and then this situation would land on the news almost as fast as Seto and Cheri's engagement."
Mina smiled then turned to her boyfriend. "So you're Keriam's Guardian?"
"I had no idea," Duke raised his hands in defense. "She is a good friend but that's all, I swear on my dice."
"Good," Mina grabbed his earring and pulled him closer, "because I would defiantly kill you, muffin-cakes."
"Muffin-cakes?" the Ishtar boys chorused and snickered.
"Don't you ever say that in public," the Dungeon Dice Master hissed.
Mina giggled some more. "So, what do we do now?"
Duke blinked. " 'We'?"
"I don't have any magical abilities or powers but I want to help as much as I can."
The boys looked at her in surprise. "I really don't what you can do right now," Marik said, "except keep an eye out for anymore Duel Monsters coming to life."
"You got it," said Mina. "I'll let you know ASAP." She looked at her Duel Monster. "Okay, Watapon… hmm, I really should give him a name."
"How about 'Muffin-cakes'?" Malik suggested. Marik chuckled and both received a deadly glare from Devlin.
The girl smiled and studied the furry creature for a moment. "How about... Sugar?" she asked.
"Sugar?" the boys asked, trying not to laugh.
She frowned at them. "I had a cat named Sugar a long time ago, thank you very much." Watapon cooed happily, seeming to enjoy the name. "See? Watapon likes it."
"Okay…" Duke cleared his throat; he glanced at the ceiling then got a better look. "So that's where you went."
Skilled Ninja landed perfectly on the floor. "I was not certain if it would be wise for her to have knowledge of my presence." He bowed to him. "But now that you understand of what is happening, it does not matter."
"Dungeon Dice, too," Mina looked at the ninja. "Boy are we in trouble."
"Master," the warrior turned to Duke, "forgive me for asking, but why does she call you 'Muffin-cakes'?"
Mina blushed. Marik and Malik burst out laughing. Duke felt himself turn red.
"Because they really like each other," Marik gasped out.
"Well um you see..." Duke tried to explain but the blondes' laughter wasn't helping.
"It's a term for endearment," Mina answered, coming to his rescue. "When two people really care about one another, they give each other pet-names."
" 'Pet-names?" The warrior seemed confused.
"Uh yeah, what she said. It's her nickname for me," the Dice master admitted but he was smiling lightly.
"And what is your pet-name for her?"
The couple now turned equal shades of crimson.
"Can we guess?" Marik grinned widely with a dark sparkle in his eye. Malik was now leaning against the counter, shaking as he held back his laughter.
"Shut it!" Duke growled at the taller Egyptian.
--I'm getting the impression he only says it during certain times,-- Marik sent.
"Um I-I better get home. Before my parents worry," Mina stammered, slowly backing up. "Duke call me later?"
"Yeah tonight." She smiled and gathering her bag, left with Sugar. Duke sighed and glared at Mark. "Now I know why Wheeler has a strong dislike of you."
"He just can't accept my charming personality," the blonde said sarcastically.
--
"So do you think the Dungeon Dice are affected like Duel Monsters?" Tea asked.
"Wouldn't surprise me," answered Keriam. "Joey, please don't inhale the hotdog."
Her boyfriend managed to swallow the huge bite he had taken of the foot-long meat link, which was smothered in relish, sauerkraut, onions, chili, ketchup, and mustard. "Can't help it. Lucky Links has the best hotdogs in town!"
"As for Dungeon Dice," Yugi spoke, "Marik and Malik will let us know."
Keriam sighed and picked at her french-fries, and then a short person running caught her sight over Yugi's shoulder. "Uh oh," she said quietly, "look out, Yugi. Red Rims is on her way over at Warp Nine."
Tea began to growl but somehow managed to restrain herself from jumping up from the chair.
"YUGI!!"
The poor boy almost choked on his soda as a pair of arms wrapped around his neck, nearly cutting off his ability to breathe. "Hi, Rebecca…" Yugi gasped.
Keriam looked at Tea's left hand, and pitied the napkin clutched in it. Then the dancer moved both hands to her lap and started to shred the innocent flimsy paper. Arcaida and Kenji peeked out from Tea's purse and frowned at the sight.
The young girl was beaming happily and still clung to the poor boy's neck. "It's so good to see you again!!" she practically squealed.
Joey winced and put his food down for now. "Hey can you at least keep it down?" he asked, already developing a headache.
"No and you can't make me!" The blonde stuck her tongue out at him.
Real mature for a college student, Keriam thought to herself.
Tea took a deep breathe and held her hands tightly together. "So Rebecca, when did you come to Domino?" she asked politely.
"Today! Grandpa and I stopped at the game shop but Mr. Motou said Yugi was out so I came to find him and now I have!!"
The poor boy gasped and with some effort managed to remove her arms and took a deep breathe. "It's nice to see you again," he managed to gasp, rubbing his sore throat.
"Yugi!" Rebecca chirped. "Now that I'm back in Domino, we can start dating again!"
Joey coughed.
Yugi gulped.
Tea's eyes narrowed.
Keriam could see the inferno of rage emanating from her Sister. She felt something tap her knee. Looking down slightly, Kenji held out his staff and an image of a diamond ring appeared briefly then the chibi Dark Magician pointed to Tea.
Smiling, Keriam said, "Don't you think you're getting a little too friendly with another woman's fiancé?"
"Huh?" everyone looked at her.
"Sorry," Keriam looked at Tea and Yugi, "I know that you two didn't want it getting out since you got engaged last night."
"What?!" Rebecca stormed over to Tea and grabbed her left wrist.
"Hey!" Tea clenched her hand, tempted to punch the brat but then blinked at the ring that now graced her finger.
Tears welled in Rebecca's eyes as she stared at the three-quarter karat diamond housed by a white-gold ring. "Yugi!" she wailed. "How could you do this to me?!"
"Well…" the Duel Monster Champion decided to play along, "you never sent me anything so I figured it was over."
"B-B-But... what about all the times we spent together?!" she whined.
Yugi sighed and shook his head. "Rebecca, first off we never did say we were officially going out you just said we were. Second, you never one gave me a call or even wrote me a letter, not even a postcard."
"I'm in college I was busy!!"
"Too busy to ever write a postcard to your 'boyfriend'?" Joey added.
Rebecca turned to him angrily. "Shut up, you-you second rate amateur!!" she yelled. Keriam was ready to slap the little brat but to everyone's surprise Yugi stood up, slapping his hand on the table.
"Rebecca, don't insult my friends!!" he shouted, gaining the attention of several strangers passing by. The young girl blinked and looked at the master duelist with large eyes. Yugi was still frowning at her but lowered his voice as he continued.
"Joey is my best friend and he has been there for me in the beginning so I do not appreciate you calling him names. Tea has also been there for me through thick and thin and it took me a while but I have realized that I love her deeply and she loves me. When you first came here and called my grandfather a liar and cheater I brushed it off because you were too stubborn to listen to the truth. Even when your grandfather told us what happened you kept calling us names. I like you as a friend but that is it. You may be in college but you are still a kid." He paused and closed his eyes but when he opened them they were calmer and his posture relaxed some. "I still like you as a friend but it will never be more than that. I have moved on with my life whether you like it or not."
Rebecca stood frozen like a statue. Finally, she lowered her eyes to the ground. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "Congratulations to both of you." She walked away.
Yugi sighed and sat down.
"Are you okay?" asked Joey.
"I feel bad for yelling at her like that," said Yugi, "but her attitude really hasn't changed."
"And you expected it to?" Tea asked. She looked down at her hand. "Should I ask where this came from?"
"Thank your purse chibis," said Keriam.
"No need to thank us!" Arcaida waved.
"Yeah, that brat needed a lesson in reality," said Kenji. "By the way, it's a three-quarter karat diamond and a six-setting, ten karat, white gold ring."
"You have good taste," Tea smiled. "So how long should I wear this?"
"Um… you're not going to keep it?" Yugi looked at her. "I was wondering if you would…"
Everyone looked at him. Tea smiled, "For how long?"
Yugi blushed. "Uh, I mean, well… forever?"
Tea kissed him. "Yes, Yugi."
Arcaida leaned his head in his hand and sighed.
"I never figured you for the mushy type," said Kenji.
"Well, someone has to be," the crimson mage answered. "You handled the jewelry so well. To be honest, I'm not surprised."
Kenji glared at the other spell caster. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"What? Do I have to spell it out?" Arcaida said with a smirk. "You've had that ring for a while, haven't you?"
Poor Kenji's face matched the other mage's robes perfectly. "I-I have no idea what you're t-talking about!"
Tea giggled and held up her hand to admire the ring. "I think this is the one of the best presents I have gotten," she said happily.
Keriam couldn't be happier for her and glad that Rebecca was gone as well. "So when are you going to tell your parents the good news?" she asked.
"What you should do is gather your folks and gramps in the same place then pop the news. And find a way to explain how ya got such a big rock on ya finger," Joey added, taking a big bite of his hotdog.
--
Don Zaloog stood atop of a bank that was in the north corner of Domino City. He looked towards the other three directions and waited. From the east flashed Cliff's light; the west, Chick's; and from the south was Gorg's light.
The Scorpion held up the small mirror and sent his signal back to his comrades.
Their master was getting impatient and ordered them to go out and retrieve the fifth and final member of their clan, Meanae the Thorn. But they were also on the look out for the Keeper of the Book of Shadows. So far there was nothing but he noticed a rapid flash. It was coming from the west and Chick reported that the young man was driving down the street.
'Where is he heading?' the leader flashed back.
'Northwest,' the youngest answered.
'Northwest...' His eyes widen. The Daughter of Anubis lived in that general area. 'Chick, stay with him. Gorg, meet up with Chick. Cliff, are you anywhere near that large mansion where Meanae is being held?'
A pause then a flash. 'Yes. Shall I head there?'
'Yes but do not do anything just watch. No telling if any of the Keepers are with her.' He put the mirror in his pocket and melded into the shadows. Moving swiftly he headed in the general direction. Perhaps they could get the Book and free their sister from her imprisonment together.
--
Cheri sneezed suddenly. Rubbing her noise she looked around but there was nothing and the balcony was closed. Shrugging she wiped the paint from her hands on her stained shirt. "I keep doing this and I'll have to buy a smock," she said to herself. Setting the brush in the can of water she picked up another and decided to work on another painting as the current one dried; but had she stayed she may have noticed a shadow dash just across the balcony.
Cliff and Don Zaloog stood outside the balcony doors. Meanae was alone. No priest, no other Guardians, no annoying wolf, and it was just perfect. All they had to do was wait for the right moment when her guard was down. Cliff adjusted his glass, seeing through the white curtain covered doors. He watched his sister sit on a stool before a large canvas perched on the easel. Turning to Don, he nodded.
They moved silently but Cheri still didn't move. Being assassins they moved with stealth and agility, like a ninja until they were right behind the young woman. They both got ready to grab her but just as they lunged Cheri dove off her stool and hit the floor. They ended up tripping over the stool and crashed into the easel, hitting the floor.
"Next time try sticking with the shadows," she yelled and got to her feet. She raced to the door but jumped back. A dagger was jabbed in the lock halfway past the metal blade. She was trapped and the only way out was the balcony. "Oh this can't be happening!"
"Meanae please! We do not wish to fight you!" Cliff exclaimed, getting up. "Just come home with us."
"For the last time no! Leave me alone!" she yelled. Where's Headless Knight when I need him??
--
Cliff and Gorg watched the Keeper go through the streets on his strange transportation device. Strange to them, that is. They were used to horses and carriages.
"Well?" Gorg asked.
"He has it," said Chick. "There's no doubt after what he had said."
"I still don't trust him," the bigger man grunted.
"Neither do I, but his majesty needs his assistance for now. He's the only one who can read the Book of Shadows."
"Then what do we need the Keeper for?"
Chick looked at him. "He's the only one who can open it," said the blonde.
"So if he opens the Book, we can dispose of him?" he asked.
"Perhaps. Let's wait until Meanae is back with us," the youngest answered.
Tristen slowed down as he made a turn. Things had been quiet today and he wasn't doing anything so it was a surprise when Cheri called and asked for his help. Long as Kaiba and Bakura don't think I'm trying anything with her, he thought to himself. He liked the young artist but his heart was firmly set on Joey's younger sister. He also had the Book of Shadows with him. He didn't know why but, he didn't want to leave it at home. The last thing he wanted was to explain to his parents what he was doing with such an unusual book.
Coming to a stop light he slowed down until he stopped but stiffen. He looked around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. I have this nagging feeling... that I'm not alone. Flipping the visor up he peered at the sidewalks. People were going in and out of stores, talking. So he shifted his gaze to the rooftops but could see nothing. The light turned green and lowering the visor he continued his way.
I'm just jumpy, he thought, and I have every reason to be. Maybe after Cheri's finished I'll give Serenity a call -
His train of thought was stopped short as the area around him faded away. Tristen hit the breaks and skidded his bike sideways to a halt.
Cliff and Gorg walked out from the shadows and stood a few feet away.
"You guys are going through a lot to get my attention," Tristen said, doing extremely well hiding his fear.
"Hand over the Book of Shadows, Keeper," said Chick. "And maybe we'll let you live long enough to see our master be reborn."
"Reborn? Look pal, first off I'm not giving up the Book of Shadows and second, my friends and I will make sure he stays where he belongs," he said with confidence but inside he was doing his best to keep from shaking. I need to get outta here.
"Big words from a small man," Gorg replied, holding his hands out as his long handled mace appeared.
"Least my brain's not the size of a peanut." Oh I have been hanging around Joey too much. The large muscle man growled but before he could attack Chick grinned.
"Nice try Keeper, but you're scared. And you have no power. I bet, you never opened the Book either."
"So what if I haven't? I'm not stupid; there's no telling what chaos opening that would create!"
"We know," Chick said as his mallet appeared, "it's our home."
Tristen immediately spun his bike around and took off. Both Scorpions only smirked and raised their weapons. They were brought down with enough force that the shockwave sent the Keeper flying off his bike. Tristen screamed and then hit the ground. He blinked a few times and fell into a blissful void.
--
When he opened his eyes, Tristen decided that he was better off unconscious. He was sitting on a cold stone floor against a pillar. His hands were tied to a metal ring above his head. Large torches lit the circular room, revealing statues and tapestries depicting scorpions and people with a scorpion on their upper right arm.
In the center of the room was a large dais, and on top of it made Tristen feel slightly nauseated. It looked like a huge mass of... something. All the words Tristen wanted to use would just make him feel sicker.
"So the Keeper of Osiris has awaken," a deep voice said, echoing around the room.
The young man blinked and looked around. "Who's there?" he called out. The voice chuckled but there was no one. Only that thing on the dais- "No... It can't be..."
"But it is Keeper," the cocoon seemed to vibrate as the being within shifted. "I am the Scorpion King."
"You look more like a larva to me," he muttered, twisting his hands.
The King growled then laughed. "Your fear is very amusing, mortal. This is the result of Anubis punishing me for killing his daughter... and my child. I was suffering a hell created for me but thanks to my assassins I am slowly being reborn. But I cannot escape this cursed shell of mine."
"So that's why I'm here. Give me one good reason why I should open the Book of Shadows, ya freak!" he hissed angrily.
"I have several," said the Scorpion King. "But I only need one. The Chosen of Ra's younger sister."
Tristen's heart skipped. Serenity...
"You wish for her safety, you will open the Book."
"And if I do open it, what's to stop the Shadow Realm from merging with this world?"
"That depends on you," a new voice spoke.
Tristen looked to his right and saw a robed figure walk into his vision just enough for Tristen to see his form, and the Book of Shadows in his gloved hands.
That voice, Tristen thought, I know I've heard that before....
The man snapped his fingers. Gorg and Chick, who had been waiting behind Tristen's pillar, untied the rope from the ring and dragged him over to the cloaked figure.
He held out the book as Gorg forced Tristen to place his right hand flat against the metal surface.
" 'I am a Chosen of Osiris.' Say it," the man ordered.
Tristen refused to repeat the words, and then cried out as Chick stuck the tip of a dagger into his left bicep.
"Say it or else," Chick said with a malice grin.
"..." Please forgive me, everyone... "I am a Chosen of Osiris," he said.
The Book glowed warm until his touch a click was heard. As his hand was removed the Book flipped open on its own. The cloaked man grinned and held the Book up to his face. "Hmm, it says for you to be revealed from your prison, one with the blood of a god must shed their own blood in your name," he read out loud.
The Scorpion King chuckled dryly. "Ironic that the one to release me serves my most hated enemy," he laughed.
Tristen growled deeply in his throat but was held back as Gorg held onto his wrist tightly. "If you think Cheri's gonna help ya then you're out of your mind. She hates all of you," he said with confidence.
"She hates what she does not understand," said Gorg. "When her memories are restored, she will come back to us. Meanae has risen above and not only is she our clan member, she is our princess."
"I found it," said the man, holding the Book of Shadows before him. He released it and the book hovered in the air.
The cocoon pulsed. "Bring back my daughter."
Chick knocked Tristen to the floor with a sweep kick. "Sit back and enjoy the show!" the blonde grinned as the large one held the rope.
"No!!" The young man tried to get up but Chick gave him a swift kick in the stomach. All the air escaped with force he could do nothing as his hands were bound to the metal ring once more. No... What have I done?
The man lifted his hands in the air as he began to read the spell. "Book of Shadows hear me now. Break the bounds and released the spirit within. Return to us what was taken. Bring back Meanae the Thorn!"
The pages began to glow a bright red color as it shoot up into the ceiling. The hooded man just smiled; Gorg and Chick were grinning; the Scorpion King was pleased; and Tristen felt guilt eat at his heart.
--
The red bands over Cheri's upper arm glowed brightly. As she pulled the sleeve up she watched with wide eyes as they cracked, then shattered. The scorpion tattoo glowed brightly before returning to its full color on her skin.
"No!! Not again!!" she cried out. Already she could feel Meanae pushing free. She screamed, grabbing her head but it was no use. The bracelets she bore flickered, as if fighting what was happening but it was no use. With an audile crack the bracelets broke in half and hit the floor.
"I am free!!" a female voice yelled. Cheri's body stiffened as a whirlwind engulfed her but it didn't last long. When it died down her clothing had changed to a uniform of red and gray. In her hand she wielded a thorn whip and her brown hair fell down her back in a straight wave. A blood red scarf hid the Necklace of Basset from view but she didn't care. Her brown eyes were cold and heartless. Looking up at the men she smiled.
"Cliff..." she whispered.
"Meanae..." The blonde slowly walked up to her and embraced the young girl tightly. She did the same, sighing happily. "You have returned."
"I am home, brother," she said.
Don Zaloog bowed. "Welcome home, Princess Meanae."
--
Katsuya growled and bolted from the living room.
"Cheri…" Seto whispered and ran after the wolf, Ryou and Bakura not far behind.
Running to the studio Katsuya growled and began throwing himself at the door. It shook but didn't open. Growling he tried it once more but no luck. Seto skidded to a stop and commanded the wolf to stay back. He tried turning the knob but it was no use. It was jammed shut.
"Cheri!!" he pounded his fist on the door, still trying to shake the knob free. "Cheri open the door!!"
Bakura and Ryou made it but why was the door locked? "Kaiba!!" Bakura yelled, getting the CEO's attention. "On three. Ryou get back."
The young man nodded and stepped back. The thief and business man stepped back and counting to three, hit the door with their shoulders. With their combined weight they managed to break the frame enough for the door to swing open but their worse fears were confirmed.
Cliff said nothing as he looked up at the uninvited guests. "You're too late, Guardians. My sister has been returned to us," he said with smug satisfaction.
"What are you-" Seto blue eyes widen as he looked at his wife. She looked almost the same but her eyes... "No... No what have you done to my wife?!" he roared.
--
Cheri groaned as she opened her eyes. She lifted a hand to touch her aching temple but froze. She could feel heavy metal encircling her throat that touching it she found herself wearing an iron collar. "What the?" She opened her eyes but this was not her soul room. Instead of her studio it was a dark and eerie looking... temple or something. The walls were made of solid sandstone but etched on them were images of scorpions and the five assassins. Tapestries of red and black hung over lit torches but looking down she tried hard not to scream.
She was chained to the altar.
"Oh gods no... No no this is not happening!" Her hands reached for the collar but it was no use. "Damnit get off! Sword Dancer, where are you?! Sword Dancer?!?" She looked around but there was no sight of the warrior.
"No... No what have you done to my wife?!" echoed around the temple.
"Seto? Seto help me, please!!"
A feminine laughter answered coyly. "Fool. Your wife is not here. Thanks to my father that pathetic warrior is gone and that woman is trapped. All that's left is me."
"You stupid witch! You won't get away with this!!" Another man but different.
"Bakura! Guys please get me out!" But no one heard her. Cheri couldn't help as tears began falling but she fought the chained leash as much as she could, ignoring the pain as the rough metal tore at her skin. No I can't be locked in here again! I can't let this happen! Anubis please!! she nearly shrieked to herself.
"Cheri."
She stopped struggling.
"Cheri, can you hear me? Do you remember who I am?"
Her eyes widened as her mind brought back memories from a little more than a decade old. "Daddy?"
Shadows thrown by the torches seemed to gather before her before taking shape, rising from the ground. The young woman stared wide eyed at the figure and tried moving back but gasped when the collar reminded her how limited her space was. The shadows faded and left in their place was a man, around her mother's age with short dark hair that had a slight curl, semi-tanned skin and dark brown eyes. He wore boots, followed by jeans, a faded shirt and a leather bomber jacket. He reached out to touch her face but stopped when she jerked back, choking herself.
"Don't touch me," she whispered.
"Is that anyone to treat your father?" he asked.
"What kind of father strikes his daughter when she's just a child?" she asked back.
Manuel narrowed his eyes and reached up as if to slap her but stopped. Cheri shrank back, holding an arm over her face for protection. "I'm sorry... I had no right to hit you... but I was upset and I didn't know what else to do," he tried explaining.
"You didn't know?!" she yelled at him. "I was a practically still a baby! And you hit me for no stupid reason! You walked out on mom and me!"
"I had to," said her father. "There was something wrong with me, and I didn't know what was going on. Don't you see, I had to leave to keep you and your mother safe. Please, Cheri."
"Safe?! Because of you I couldn't stand anyone bigger than me to touch me except mom!" She sniffed and rubbed at her tears. "Why are you here anyway? You died."
He sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "It's... a complicated story."
"..."
"Just let me explain why I'm here."
"... Can you get me off this stupid leash?"
"No-"
"Then I want nothing to do with you." Turning her back on him she hugged her knees to her chest. Seto... I want to be in your arms again.
"Two lifetimes you're my daughter," said Manuel. "But the last one… I didn't have a chance to see you born."
Slowly, Cheri turned her head and looked at him. "What did you say?"
He backed away and removed his jacket; turning around, he lifted up the back of his shirt, revealing a large black scorpion on his back.
"It's been on me since the day I was born," Manuel dropped his shirt.
"... Oh dear lord..." she breathed out. "How... are you... both times?" She couldn't make a clear sentence.
"I am the Scorpion King reborn. Or, at least part of him." He turned and looked down at her. "The gods denied me my claim as your father but although my soul had been trapped, Anubis made the mistake and didn't weight my heart. It was reborn in this form and this time I was able to see you be born. But as years progressed something began happening." He moved closer and knelt before her.
"I never wanted to hurt you but in that moment, I had no control of my body. I left, because I didn't want to hurt you anymore or your mother. I came back several months later, wanting to see how you were, but your mother refused to let me see you."
"I remember... mom threaten to call the police... but after that you never called or anything after that... you didn't even send me a card..." She closed her eyes tightly, dropping her head to her chest; tears fell and landed in her lap heavily. "... I thought you cared about me, daddy!"
"I did," Manuel said, "I still do." He held his arms out.
Tears sliding down her cheeks, Cheri hugged her father. She didn't see the dark smile spread across his face. His left hand rested between her shoulder blades, and his fingers sank inside her skin. Cheri went limp as her father pulled out a black orb. Raising it up, the orb flew through the temple ceiling. Then he picked up his daughter and placed her on the altar.
"I only need the part of you that is loyal to me. Wife of the High Priest," he grinned, "sleep for eternity."
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: and another chapter has ended! Sorry for the wait peeps.
Janime: how else would get you to stay with us?
Heikou: true dat. also, we'd like to announce that we had a kind of contest going on.
Janime: Yes, we did. Since we saw that the reviews were nearing 100, Heikou and I decided that whoever got the 100th spot, we would let them have a cameo or put in an original character, but we would decide how said cameo/character would interact in the fic.
Heikou: And the winner is…
Janime: Drum roll, please.
Both: THOMAS DROVIN!
Record of applause is played over speakers.
Heikou: I sent off an e-mail from both of us to Mr. Drovin but unfortunately he hasn't responded back.
Janime: If you're reading this then please e-mail us back.
Heikou. You have two weeks to contact us.
Janime: And if you don't respond by October 16, 2004, we're going to randomly pick another reviewer.
Heikou: Hmm, I think we covered everything.
Janime: Just about. So don't forget to tell us what you think of this chapter.
Heikou: And keep the reviews coming! Let's see how many we'll get in total.
Janime: I have a feeling we'll top the Sister's of the Moon review total.
Heikou: Which had 64 reviews.
Janime: 62. Remember I put two in there for our missed disclaimers.
Heikou: Oh, that's right. Until next chapter, everyone! See you then!
