CHAPTER 2: MUSEUM INTERVIEW
-Isis...Isis... wake up...-
-Wha...?-
-Isis, it's seven fourty-five- Marik said- you're going to be...-
-Museum opens at eight o'clock!- Isis said, opening her eyes- I'm going to be late!-
She quickly got up and ran to the bathroom to take a shower. In eight minutes, Isis took her shower, got dressed, ate breakfast (a/n: well, actually, she just swallowed it), kissed Marik goodbye and set off to the museum. She arrived exactly at 7:59.
-Well, well, Isis- she heard a male voice say- you arrived on time...I'm impressed...- Isis looked at him. It was Seto Kaiba.
-So...- she told him- you woke up early just to bother me, didn't you?-
-Maybe- Kaiba said- but I think it was for the same reason I bought this nasty building...-
-And that would be...?-
-That's not of your concern, Isis- Seto Kaiba said.
-Just quit bothering me, then- Isis said- now, if you'll excuse me...- the woman opened the museum with her key, and was about to pass through the door when Seto Kaiba grabbed her hand to stop her.
-Wait a second, Isis- he said. This made her blush lightly.
-What...?- she asked. Seto seemed to notice the change of color in her face, so he let her go.
-Just... just remember today someone's coming- Seto said- a girl about your age. You must interview her and then you tell me what you think about her...-
-I know, I know- Isis said.
-Well, I'll see you later, Isis- Seto said- now get to work...-
-Yeah, whatever- she said, turning around and getting in the museum.
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-Hi, Marik-
-Hello, guys- Marik said- it's good to see you-
-So, are you going to show us around?- Joey asked, and Marik nodded.
-Sure- Marik said- I can take you to the Valley of the Kings...-
-Yay!!!- Tea and Mai shuted.
-Where's Isis?- Bakura asked.
-She's at work- Marik said- Kaiba won't give her a break-
-What do you mean?-
-She's at the museum- Marik said- and she's not allowed to leave until noon...-
-I have an idea- Yugi said- we can go visit her during her lunch break...-
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In the darkness...
Isis was asleep, her hands tied to her back. The 14-year-old girl was locked in the house's basement. Her eyes and cheeks were wet. But she finally was asleep.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of tiny hands on her shoulder, trying to wake her up. She opened her eyes and saw her little brother, trying to untie her hands.
-Marik?- she said- what are you doing here?-
The little boy didn't answer. He just filled his eyes with tears.
-Marik, do you know what will happen if father finds you here?-
-I...I don't care, Isis- Marik said, starting to cry- I... I don't want that man to take you away...-
-It's okay, Marik- she said, embracing the boy now that her hands were free- please don't cry...-
-But... but what if he...-
-Don't worry about me, Marik- she said- when I'm gone, you must behave like a man...-
-Yeah...- Marik said, still crying- but... but I'm going to miss you...-
Isis smiled and made him sit on her lap. Marik put his head against her chest. Isis passed her fingers though her brother's hair. He was still crying.
-Please, Marik, don't cry- Isis said, feeling that her eyes where getting wet again- remember, you're a man now...-
-Why?- Marik said, making an effort to stop crying- why must you go?-
-I'm sorry- she said- but... that's the way it is... Women in our country are sold, bought and stolen by men...-
-But you are a girl- Marik said- you're... you're not...-
-Unfortunately- Isis said- girls must grow up and become women...-
-It's not fair- he said.
-I know...-
They were silent a few seconds.
-Let's run away, Isis- Marik suddenly said- let's escape from him...-
-I can't- she said- I'm already sold. If I run away and get caught, they'll...- but she didn't finish. She didn't want to scare her brother, so she cleared her throat and continued- besides, you are not allowed to leave the tomb...-
-What can we do, then?- he asked.
Isis shook her head. There was nothing they could do. Nothing...
-Wait!- Marik said, standing up and grabbing his sister's hand- I... I can steal you-
-You what?- Isis said, surprised.
-Steal you- the boy said- you said a man can buy you or steal you. And since I have no money...-
-No way- Isis said. That was madness- you can't leave the tomb, and... you're not...-
-Come on- Marik said, pulling the girl's arm to make her stand up- what's to loose?-
Isis thought about it for a few seconds. If she escaped with her brother, she could make sure that Marik wasn't hurt by their father. And even if she got caught while escaping, death couldn't be worse than being sold to a man and made his slave for life.
-Okay- Isis said- but on one condition: if we get caught, you'll say I forced you to come with me, okay?-
-Err... okay- Marik said- come on...-
They got out. It was nearly dawn. They had to hurry.
-Isis- Marik said- where are we going to go?-
-We... we should go to Thebes...- Isis said- there we can find the rest of our family...-
-How far is it?- Marik asked.
-Pretty far- she answered- we must go south, following the Nile's course-
-By foot?-
-Don't be silly- Isis said, smiling- we must take a boat. Now hurry up...-
They ran to the port. There, they found a boat that was going to set sail immediately, and was going to go south. But the ship's owner didn't want to let them in: he suspected they were running away from something...or someone.
-Please- Isis insisted- we need to go now...-
-I don't care...- the boatman said, getting on his ship and preparing to sail away.
In that moment, the town's bell sounded. The town's alarm.
-Ishtar's daughter has escaped!!- a man yelled- if someone finds her, there will be a reward...-
Hearing this, Isis took Marik's hand and ran with him into hiding in a dark alley. A few men passed by.
-I think we made it, Marik- Isis said- we fooled them...-
Suddenly, Isis felt a big hand on her shoulder.
-I wouldn't be so sure...- a male voice said.
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-Isis... Isis...-
Isis woke up. She was in her office, at the museum. A man was in front of her. It was Shadi.
-Shadi?- she said- what...?-
-You were having a bad dream...- Shadi said.
-Yeah...- Isis said- I was remembering when I...-
-I know- Shadi gently interrupted- but I had to wake you...it's nearly time-
-Time to what?-
-You'll see...- Shadi said. He smiled at her- I'll see you later...- he turned around and headed to the door.
-Shadi, wait...- she said. Shadi stopped- what are you talking about? Who's coming?-
-You'll see...-Shadi said once again- don't worry, Isis, you'll be fine...-
And, with this words, he went through the door.
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-10 am- Yugi said, looking at his watch.
-Come on- Marik said- if you come with me, I'll take you to see the tombs in the Valley of the Kings... but we must travel one hour south...-
-And the Pyramids?- Tea asked.
-They are in Giza. To go there, you must go north- Marik explained- but today, we are going south, to Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt...-
-Your bloodline used to live there- Yugi said- and Shadi's...-
-Yep- Marik said- come on, get on the boat...-
Yugi and the others followed Marik.
-We'll be there at 11 o'clock...- Marik said.
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Isis was heading to her office. She exhaled as she saw a mummy's coffin. Some archeologists had brought it that morning. Once in her office, she sat behind the desk and opened a huge book. Then, she opened and envelope and took two plates. She was looking closely to the mummy's X-Rays, trying to find something unusual.
Knock, knock...
Someone interrupted Isis's work.
-Come in- she said. The door opened. A woman about Isis's age came in. Isis was surprised when she saw her. She was black haired, with two golden braids and the rest in a ponytail. Her deep blue eyes were lined as the Egyptian way. She wore a white dress with just one sleeve. Around her neck, a golden chain held a small sand watch with an eye of Horus sealed on it.
-Excuse me- the woman said- I'm looking for Isis Ishtar...-
-You've found her- Isis said- how can I help you?-
-Seto Kaiba sent me- the woman said.
-I know- Isis said- please, sit...- she offered her a chair.
-Thank you...-
-Well, mr. Kaiba told me to interview you- Isis said- so, I understand you want to work here...-
-That's right-
-Fine- Isis said- well, first off, I should know your name and nationality-
-My name is Tashat Ramose- she said- I was born here in Egypt-
-Okay- Isis said- do you have any experience on translating hieroglyphs?-
-A bit- Tashat said- my father was a temple keeper at Luxor, and taught me that language and writing when I was little...-
-Can you read and translate this papyrus for me, please?-
-Sure- Tashat said, taking the papyrus. She began reading- "I'm your wife, oh mighty. Do not abandon me. Is it your pleasure, my husband, that I am far away from you? How is it possible that I must stay alone? I wanted to follow you, but you showed me your back and stayed quiet..."-
Isis looked at the girl, impressed. She could read it.
-Very good- Isis said- now, do you know where it is from?-
-Sure- Tashat said- those were queen Ankesenhamun's words when they buried her husband, king Tutankhamen...-
-Wow- Isis said- I am impressed...- she cleared her throat - well, I guess that's all. I'll talk with mr. Kaiba...-
-Thanks a lot- Tashat smiled. When she stood up, something got her attention: the X-Rays on the desk.
-What?- Isis asked.
-Who was that woman?- Tashat asked, pointing at the mummy's X-Rays. Isis was surprised.
-How...?- Isis said- how do you know it's a woman?-
-Her hip- Tashat answered, pointing that part of the X-Ray- who was she?-
-She was a princess of her time- Isis explained- we think she was Rameses II and Nefertari's daughter... according to the 'cartonagge' on the mummy's coffin, she was around 22 when she died...-
-Nope- Tashat said- she had no more than 18 when she died...-
-How...?- Isis started to ask, but Tashat interrupted her, pointing at the mummy's X-Ray.
-See these lines on her leg? This is called the 'growth cartilage'. You see it all the time in children's bones. A woman, when she's 18, she has already lost all growth cartilages and stop growing...-
-How do you know all this stuff?- Isis asked.
-I'm sorry, I forgot to tell- Tashat said- I'm a medical doctor... I'm no X- Ray expert, but I know a little...- she looked at her watch- I'm sorry, got to go...-
-Yeah- Isis said, still impressed- I think Kaiba will call you...-
-Thanks a lot- Tashat said, waving her hand.
When the girl got out, Isis sat again on her chair behind her desk, still amazed. But she didn't have time to think about the strange girl, because someone appeared behind the door and closed it. Isis looked up, scared. It was Seto Kaiba.
-So- Kaiba said- what do you think?-
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TO BE CONTINUED...
-Isis...Isis... wake up...-
-Wha...?-
-Isis, it's seven fourty-five- Marik said- you're going to be...-
-Museum opens at eight o'clock!- Isis said, opening her eyes- I'm going to be late!-
She quickly got up and ran to the bathroom to take a shower. In eight minutes, Isis took her shower, got dressed, ate breakfast (a/n: well, actually, she just swallowed it), kissed Marik goodbye and set off to the museum. She arrived exactly at 7:59.
-Well, well, Isis- she heard a male voice say- you arrived on time...I'm impressed...- Isis looked at him. It was Seto Kaiba.
-So...- she told him- you woke up early just to bother me, didn't you?-
-Maybe- Kaiba said- but I think it was for the same reason I bought this nasty building...-
-And that would be...?-
-That's not of your concern, Isis- Seto Kaiba said.
-Just quit bothering me, then- Isis said- now, if you'll excuse me...- the woman opened the museum with her key, and was about to pass through the door when Seto Kaiba grabbed her hand to stop her.
-Wait a second, Isis- he said. This made her blush lightly.
-What...?- she asked. Seto seemed to notice the change of color in her face, so he let her go.
-Just... just remember today someone's coming- Seto said- a girl about your age. You must interview her and then you tell me what you think about her...-
-I know, I know- Isis said.
-Well, I'll see you later, Isis- Seto said- now get to work...-
-Yeah, whatever- she said, turning around and getting in the museum.
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-Hi, Marik-
-Hello, guys- Marik said- it's good to see you-
-So, are you going to show us around?- Joey asked, and Marik nodded.
-Sure- Marik said- I can take you to the Valley of the Kings...-
-Yay!!!- Tea and Mai shuted.
-Where's Isis?- Bakura asked.
-She's at work- Marik said- Kaiba won't give her a break-
-What do you mean?-
-She's at the museum- Marik said- and she's not allowed to leave until noon...-
-I have an idea- Yugi said- we can go visit her during her lunch break...-
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x-x
In the darkness...
Isis was asleep, her hands tied to her back. The 14-year-old girl was locked in the house's basement. Her eyes and cheeks were wet. But she finally was asleep.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of tiny hands on her shoulder, trying to wake her up. She opened her eyes and saw her little brother, trying to untie her hands.
-Marik?- she said- what are you doing here?-
The little boy didn't answer. He just filled his eyes with tears.
-Marik, do you know what will happen if father finds you here?-
-I...I don't care, Isis- Marik said, starting to cry- I... I don't want that man to take you away...-
-It's okay, Marik- she said, embracing the boy now that her hands were free- please don't cry...-
-But... but what if he...-
-Don't worry about me, Marik- she said- when I'm gone, you must behave like a man...-
-Yeah...- Marik said, still crying- but... but I'm going to miss you...-
Isis smiled and made him sit on her lap. Marik put his head against her chest. Isis passed her fingers though her brother's hair. He was still crying.
-Please, Marik, don't cry- Isis said, feeling that her eyes where getting wet again- remember, you're a man now...-
-Why?- Marik said, making an effort to stop crying- why must you go?-
-I'm sorry- she said- but... that's the way it is... Women in our country are sold, bought and stolen by men...-
-But you are a girl- Marik said- you're... you're not...-
-Unfortunately- Isis said- girls must grow up and become women...-
-It's not fair- he said.
-I know...-
They were silent a few seconds.
-Let's run away, Isis- Marik suddenly said- let's escape from him...-
-I can't- she said- I'm already sold. If I run away and get caught, they'll...- but she didn't finish. She didn't want to scare her brother, so she cleared her throat and continued- besides, you are not allowed to leave the tomb...-
-What can we do, then?- he asked.
Isis shook her head. There was nothing they could do. Nothing...
-Wait!- Marik said, standing up and grabbing his sister's hand- I... I can steal you-
-You what?- Isis said, surprised.
-Steal you- the boy said- you said a man can buy you or steal you. And since I have no money...-
-No way- Isis said. That was madness- you can't leave the tomb, and... you're not...-
-Come on- Marik said, pulling the girl's arm to make her stand up- what's to loose?-
Isis thought about it for a few seconds. If she escaped with her brother, she could make sure that Marik wasn't hurt by their father. And even if she got caught while escaping, death couldn't be worse than being sold to a man and made his slave for life.
-Okay- Isis said- but on one condition: if we get caught, you'll say I forced you to come with me, okay?-
-Err... okay- Marik said- come on...-
They got out. It was nearly dawn. They had to hurry.
-Isis- Marik said- where are we going to go?-
-We... we should go to Thebes...- Isis said- there we can find the rest of our family...-
-How far is it?- Marik asked.
-Pretty far- she answered- we must go south, following the Nile's course-
-By foot?-
-Don't be silly- Isis said, smiling- we must take a boat. Now hurry up...-
They ran to the port. There, they found a boat that was going to set sail immediately, and was going to go south. But the ship's owner didn't want to let them in: he suspected they were running away from something...or someone.
-Please- Isis insisted- we need to go now...-
-I don't care...- the boatman said, getting on his ship and preparing to sail away.
In that moment, the town's bell sounded. The town's alarm.
-Ishtar's daughter has escaped!!- a man yelled- if someone finds her, there will be a reward...-
Hearing this, Isis took Marik's hand and ran with him into hiding in a dark alley. A few men passed by.
-I think we made it, Marik- Isis said- we fooled them...-
Suddenly, Isis felt a big hand on her shoulder.
-I wouldn't be so sure...- a male voice said.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x-x
-Isis... Isis...-
Isis woke up. She was in her office, at the museum. A man was in front of her. It was Shadi.
-Shadi?- she said- what...?-
-You were having a bad dream...- Shadi said.
-Yeah...- Isis said- I was remembering when I...-
-I know- Shadi gently interrupted- but I had to wake you...it's nearly time-
-Time to what?-
-You'll see...- Shadi said. He smiled at her- I'll see you later...- he turned around and headed to the door.
-Shadi, wait...- she said. Shadi stopped- what are you talking about? Who's coming?-
-You'll see...-Shadi said once again- don't worry, Isis, you'll be fine...-
And, with this words, he went through the door.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x-x
-10 am- Yugi said, looking at his watch.
-Come on- Marik said- if you come with me, I'll take you to see the tombs in the Valley of the Kings... but we must travel one hour south...-
-And the Pyramids?- Tea asked.
-They are in Giza. To go there, you must go north- Marik explained- but today, we are going south, to Thebes, the ancient capital of Egypt...-
-Your bloodline used to live there- Yugi said- and Shadi's...-
-Yep- Marik said- come on, get on the boat...-
Yugi and the others followed Marik.
-We'll be there at 11 o'clock...- Marik said.
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x-x
Isis was heading to her office. She exhaled as she saw a mummy's coffin. Some archeologists had brought it that morning. Once in her office, she sat behind the desk and opened a huge book. Then, she opened and envelope and took two plates. She was looking closely to the mummy's X-Rays, trying to find something unusual.
Knock, knock...
Someone interrupted Isis's work.
-Come in- she said. The door opened. A woman about Isis's age came in. Isis was surprised when she saw her. She was black haired, with two golden braids and the rest in a ponytail. Her deep blue eyes were lined as the Egyptian way. She wore a white dress with just one sleeve. Around her neck, a golden chain held a small sand watch with an eye of Horus sealed on it.
-Excuse me- the woman said- I'm looking for Isis Ishtar...-
-You've found her- Isis said- how can I help you?-
-Seto Kaiba sent me- the woman said.
-I know- Isis said- please, sit...- she offered her a chair.
-Thank you...-
-Well, mr. Kaiba told me to interview you- Isis said- so, I understand you want to work here...-
-That's right-
-Fine- Isis said- well, first off, I should know your name and nationality-
-My name is Tashat Ramose- she said- I was born here in Egypt-
-Okay- Isis said- do you have any experience on translating hieroglyphs?-
-A bit- Tashat said- my father was a temple keeper at Luxor, and taught me that language and writing when I was little...-
-Can you read and translate this papyrus for me, please?-
-Sure- Tashat said, taking the papyrus. She began reading- "I'm your wife, oh mighty. Do not abandon me. Is it your pleasure, my husband, that I am far away from you? How is it possible that I must stay alone? I wanted to follow you, but you showed me your back and stayed quiet..."-
Isis looked at the girl, impressed. She could read it.
-Very good- Isis said- now, do you know where it is from?-
-Sure- Tashat said- those were queen Ankesenhamun's words when they buried her husband, king Tutankhamen...-
-Wow- Isis said- I am impressed...- she cleared her throat - well, I guess that's all. I'll talk with mr. Kaiba...-
-Thanks a lot- Tashat smiled. When she stood up, something got her attention: the X-Rays on the desk.
-What?- Isis asked.
-Who was that woman?- Tashat asked, pointing at the mummy's X-Rays. Isis was surprised.
-How...?- Isis said- how do you know it's a woman?-
-Her hip- Tashat answered, pointing that part of the X-Ray- who was she?-
-She was a princess of her time- Isis explained- we think she was Rameses II and Nefertari's daughter... according to the 'cartonagge' on the mummy's coffin, she was around 22 when she died...-
-Nope- Tashat said- she had no more than 18 when she died...-
-How...?- Isis started to ask, but Tashat interrupted her, pointing at the mummy's X-Ray.
-See these lines on her leg? This is called the 'growth cartilage'. You see it all the time in children's bones. A woman, when she's 18, she has already lost all growth cartilages and stop growing...-
-How do you know all this stuff?- Isis asked.
-I'm sorry, I forgot to tell- Tashat said- I'm a medical doctor... I'm no X- Ray expert, but I know a little...- she looked at her watch- I'm sorry, got to go...-
-Yeah- Isis said, still impressed- I think Kaiba will call you...-
-Thanks a lot- Tashat said, waving her hand.
When the girl got out, Isis sat again on her chair behind her desk, still amazed. But she didn't have time to think about the strange girl, because someone appeared behind the door and closed it. Isis looked up, scared. It was Seto Kaiba.
-So- Kaiba said- what do you think?-
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x- x-x-x-x-x-x
TO BE CONTINUED...