Capito - Heys! Where have you been? You haven't checked out my other fic "Egyptian Sands of Time"! Its the prequel to the whole line! I high recommend it for background.
CatStar - I have always been a huge fan of the original YGO stuff, where the Kaibas are nuts. Luckily Takahashi-san dulls them down a bit later on (or Mokuba, at least!).
Shibby - I wanted to drag the mafia thing out more, but space did not permit. I'm already going over-board on length! Well, fo me anyway. As for who dies.... You'll find out in chapter 12 of ESoT.
Ente - OMG! You are on the tip of the truth! Stay cool and trust me to take you for a ride to a happy, satisfying ending, I promise! And for a hint 'History always repeats itself.'
Yugi: Hey Ente, don't you kill me off yourself?
Greenwood - You're Italian, too? so is Keiko (writer and character). And as for Kaiba's early antics, please consult the manga!! Seriously, that tells the REAL story! Kaiba even spends over $80 million to make an amusement park called "Death-T", in which all of the games, if you lose, end in death. (At least, it did for one day only) And since Yugi/Yami defeated him in DM, he forces the group to go the first day it opens. And Mokuba was no better. Seriously read it! Manga volumes 4-5
Yugiohchix2008 - Just how many times HAS dear little Excel died? I lost count after ep 4!
digigirl - Sorry it took so long my cheerleadingfunnylittleflagwavingfriend! ^_^
Strawberrylover - *waves* You've been notified, I take it!
Lislis no Baka - LISLIS!!!!! *glomp* I've missed you over Spring Break! You are one of my more normal/mature best friends!!
Bardock/Yugi/Yami: O.O HER?!?!
Bardock: Well, considering her other best friends consist of the living embodiment of Excel, a history buff with the memory span of a fish, and, well-
Keiko: ME!!!
Bardock: Yes... well, an artist who purrs and writes Dementia songs is quite normal in Una's world.
Jennyfish - The other "normal" friend. ^_^ At least I spent time with you over the break. Maybe we can watch anoth movie together soon! Or go see "Home On the Range" with Lislis.
Serafina - LONG TIME NO SEE!!! MISSED YOU!!!
.
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Yami: *looks over length* Most reviewers, longer chapter ever, most detailed. You're taking a lot into this story.
Bardock: Hey! She's paying attention to both of us lately. I don't get it.
Una: I'm trying to do better. Problem is, school is about a month and a half longer.
Yugi: Why's that a problem?
Una: Finals are coming, too.
Bardock/Yami/Yugi: NNOOOO!!!!!
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Yami: Last time, the group of us finally landed in Egypt, only to find Kaiba there waiting for us! Now what?
Yugi: *whispers* And what Yami doesn't know is that Nazo had a terrible vision, where he was really mean, even hit her! But that would never happen now, right?
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Chapter 2
Shop 'Til Ya Drop! Welcome to Egypt!
Yugi's hair stood completely on end (bangs included). He held back a scream and slowly lifted his chin. Sure enough, Kaiba Seto towered over him, glaring down with his piercing blue eyes. "Ano… Konichiwa, Kaiba-kun!"
"Spare me the pleasantries, Yugi," said Seto in a dangerously soft voice. "How about instead we talk about the thousands of dollars you stole from my company under a false name? You know, grand larceny is a major felony, as is murder…" His grip tightened. "And you just so happen to have committed both!"
All Yugi could do was wince.
"Hold on, Stretch," said Nazo, pushing the taller teen's elbow, forcing him to lose his grip on Yugi. "I'm the one who did both, with great ease might I add, since your security system sucks! So take your hands off my friend."
Any color left in Yugi's face drained away. He waved his arms frantically. "Nazo, what in the name of…?!"
"So," growled Seto, "you are Tanaka Nazo."
"Pleased to meet you at last, Kaiba-san," she said, taking off her right glove and folding her arms so that the Mil. Bracelet gleamed. "After all I've heard about you, I expected something a bit more impressive."
"Hard to come from a piece of trash wearing trash," muttered Seto.
Yugi took a few steps back. Whoever made a move first, there would surly be an explosion. After all, both were dangerous in their own ways.
"Se-cha~an!!"
Yugi almost fainted with relief at the sound of that familiar, sing-song voice. "Keiko-san!"
Seto's beautiful, bouncy, blonde fiancé jogged over to her loved one and glomped his arm, oblivious to the tension. "You took so long getting our car! You said you'd be right back, no da!" Keiko's attention turned to something glinting from Nazo's belt. "Hey! What's that?"
Nazo sweat-dropped. "Uh…"
"Your belt! So shiny! Is that…" Keiko squealed with delight and stared. "The Fushigi Yuugi Rhinestone Deluxe Belt! They only made, like, fifty of those!" [1]
Nazo grinned. "You're a fan?"
"Of course! I have one of those, too! Only mine has Nuriko as the featured character!"
"I like Tamahome more. He's so hott!"
The two teenage girls started walking away, chatting like old friends. Kaiba and Yugi just gaped their way. Yugi turned to Kaiba. "Know what? As strange as that was, that didn't surprise me one bit!"
.
.
Jonouchi tried to act cool when he saw Seto, Yugi, Nazo, and Keiko walking up to join them. Of course, this didn't help when he'd been trying to climb up the chute for the baggage to get away once Mokuba had met up with them and told them his brother was coming. Seto assured them that if there was to be bloodshed, he would not have brought Keiko.
Meanwhile, Keiko and Nazo talked to each other as if they'd known each other their whole lives. "I can't believe it," exclaimed Nazo. "You are the daughter of Pegasus Crawford? That's awesome!" [2]
"Normally when I tell people, they aren't quite so friendly," said Keiko, thinking back on less-than-fond memories with Yugi-tachi. [3]
"Actually, I wrote to him once when I was still in the hospital. I told him I was interested in Duel Monsters, and how they were keeping me distracted from… well… my condition." She pulled out her deck from one of her numerous pockets. "He made this card for me." She pulled out her prized Queen's Loyalty. "A one-of-a-kind card! Its gotten me out of some tough spots."
"Dad was nice to a lot of people. He was a good man, when you didn't get in his way." Keiko's eyes fell a little. "I miss him."
"You're lucky! My father was a bastard who would beat me. But Yami took care of all that for me."
"Who?"
Before Nazo answered, two arms wrapped themselves around her. Yami put his face close to her ear so she could feel his breath on her neck. "Miss me, Dearest?"
Nazo had gasped initially, but when she heard his voice, she relaxed. "That wasn't nice, Yami," she said coyly.
Yami released her, and she threw her own arms around him. "How are you going to put up with me, I wonder," he said playfully.
She leaned closer. "I wonder…" They kissed.
Keiko's eyes widened, she blinked twice, and a random Gravitation manga dropped on her head. [11] Yugi's spirit separated from Yami and he sighed. "Hi, Keiko-san. I know, this is gonna take some explaining…" [4]
Anzu had been talking to Mokuba and Seto, explaining their situation. Makuba spotted Nazo and Yami, and gaped. "Woah! She knows that's the pharaoh, right?"
"Considering that she was the queen, she'd better," laughed Honda.
Kaiba grimaced. "Can't you two wait for us to get out of the public eye? Its nauseating!"
"But you and Keiko make-out all the time, Oniisan," said Mokuba.
Yami stopped and groaned. "Sorry, Nazo, but that idea really got me out of the mood!"
Mai interjected, "If you guys are finished getting re-acquainted, there's still the matter of where we're going to sleep until we can get to Thebes."
"How far is it from here," asked Jonouchi.
"About a thousand miles or so," said Ryou. "And that's if we swim down the Nile."
"We are," said Keiko.
"What? I was only joking!"
"I'm not," said Keiko, a familiar, cat-like grin spreading across her face. "I've already arranged it! We're taking the famous 'King's Cruise' down the Nile right to the capital city!"
Anzu, Jonouchi, Ryou, Nazo, and Honda's eyes widened. "Cruise?"
Keiko nodded. Seto eyed her. "And how much money did THIS part of the trip cost me?"
"Not a thing! Elaine Harris, the pilot of the plane, gave me free passes for me and a dozen of my friends!"
"That was nice of her," Ryou said.
"Why do I doubt she's telling the truth," Jonouchi muttered.
//What's a cruise?//
Yugi sweat-dropped. /You'll see./
.
.
The ship Keiko took them to was larger than seemed to be possible for the longest river in the world! It was painted yellow-gold, and was shaped like the Sphinx on the top, with windows for the eyes and a large dance floor between the paws. The head was off limits to passengers (filled with fireworks that came out of the mouth and nemes). The next level held a market-place filled with fancy/expensive merchandise, much of it based on Egyptian products (like costumes, ankh earrings, Sphinx toothpaste, all the way to Anubis plushies, make-up with Cleopatra's face, and mummy toilet paper!) The next level had dining rooms, casinos, and entertainment areas that would make Las Vegas look cheap. Finally, on the bottom floor accessible to passengers, were the large 'living quarters,' or posh bedrooms and bathrooms. At the very bottom were the six engines and supply rooms.
The eleven stared up at the ship, five in awe, four with indifference, and two with slight contempt. Yugi and Ryou had pictured their first journey to Egypt in a very different light, and weren't really hoping for such luxury. It also disappointed them both that they had no time to sight-see. "How's Yugi and Nazo supposed to remain in hiding on board a ship like this," asked Ryou.
"Well, you know what they say," said Jonouchi. "'The best place to hide is out in the open.'"
"That's one of the smartest things you've ever said, Jou-kun," said Keiko. "C'mon minna! Let's go on!"
As they made their way onboard, they kept admiring. "My whole house could fit in there," said Nazo.
Yami took in the beauty of the ship as a whole. "There was NOTHING like this in the Egypt I remember… but I am quite intrigued."
Kaiba snorted. "I thought you were searching for your memories, Pharaoh," he said mockingly.
Yami glared. "I managed to get some back, Seto! And I'll add this: You were a disappointment as a duelist!"
Kaiba shook his head like he could care less. "Mokuba, I'm going to be in a meeting online. Make sure Keiko doesn't buy out the entire boat, okay?" He walked away towards an elevator to a private room.
Nazo took out the tickets. "This gives us access to six rooms with two queen-sized beds in each. So we need to pick roommates."
"I'll be Keiko's roommate," offered Jou with a wink.
"Only if I get to tie you to propellers," she snapped.
"Guys," said Yugi, who had taken over control again (he didn't want Yami sharing a room with Nazo, under any circumstances), "let's be fair about this! Guys with guys, and girls with girls. Ryou, you and I can take one room. Jou and Honda another, Kaiba and Mokuba another, and the girls can deal among themselves."
"I'd rather a room of my own," said Mokuba. "Keiko, you can take my place with Seto."
"Thanks Mokuba."
Jonouchi pouted. "You guys are no fun."
Anzu, who was a few feet away from the group, was talking to her father on her cell phone. "Yes, Dad, I'm fine. Oh I don't know, maybe a three weeks. No, the dance camp is all girls, don't worry. I'll tell you all about it when I get home. Love you. Bye." She hung up mostly because she felt like she wanted to cry. She hated lying to her dad. They were so close!
A gentle hand touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Anzu," said Yugi.
Anzu forced a smile. "I'm okay, Yugi! I'm just happy to be with you. I mean, leaving your mom and grandpa was hard too."
Yugi gave a weak smile. "Yeah, but I had no choice." He paused. "Anzu… um… I was wondering if we could talk abo-"
"Hey Anzu," said Mai, grabbing hold of the teen's arm. "Let's go on a shopping spree, just us girls! It'll be fun!"
"We only have two days on this boat," said Keiko, pulling up her red and black arm warmers. "And there's a whole level of this ship full of shops! We'd better get going!"
Nazo hesitated. This Keiko person was much more hyper-active then she expected. But Keiko glomped her arm. "What's wrong, Nazo-chan? Getting skiddish already?"
Nazo sweat-dropped. "Nani?"
"Don't worry." She gave a mischievous grin. "I'll help you lighten up!!" And though Nazo pulled back out of slight fear, Keiko began skipping with her in arm, held out her hand as if charging into battle, and singing at the top of her lungs:
"~~Kanashimi no kawa wo koete
~~Oira wa suishou ni naru
~~Tamashii no dendoutai ni
~~Kibou wo toosu no daaaaa!!!" [5]
Anzu and Mai laughed. "I'll talk to you later, Yugi," said Anzu, and she and Mai ran off to join the other girls. Yugi only waved good-bye. 'Kuso! So much for talking to her.'
"Hey, that's right," said Ryou. "Didn't you and Anzu go on a date the day we left Japan?"
Yugi gulped. 'Uh-oh!'
Jonouchi got closer to him. "Yeah, that's right. You never told us how it went. Didja kiss her?"
Honda came up on Yugi's other side. "I'll bet you chickened out at the last second, didn't you?"
Mokuba came up too. "Yugi and Anzu are dating? That's crazy!"
Yugi sweat-dropped. "Uh… Can we talk later? L-let's get some food or something first… okay?" How was he going to tell them that he never kissed her?
Jonouchi looked at his bud suspiciously, then nodded. "Sounds great! I'm starvin'! Let's hit the- HEY!!" He'd bumped into somebody carrying an assortment of sparkly clothes and feathered boas. "Watch where yer going!"
The man stumbled backwards and knocked into an old lady carrying the same thing. She fell down hard, giving a small whimper of pain. The man, a big black dude wearing a gold Egyptian-style skirt and names, growled at Jonouchi. "Ya big jerk," he said in a strangely high voice.
Yugi immediately rushed over to help the old woman up. "Please forgive my friend," he said slowly. He may be good in English class, but speaking it was so hard! [6] "Jonouchi is very… reckless with his mind is on food."
Mokuba started picking up the fallen garments, sneezing from one of the feathered boas. "What is this stuff for, anyway?"
The man pouted slightly. "We are taking these quality costumes to their owners, who're going to be on stage in a few minutes. And look!" He let out a high-pitched scream and picked up one of the nylon dresses limply. "This crease won't come out in time! Sandra will be furious!"
A muscle twitched in Jou and Honda's faces. "Not my problem, sweetness," he grumbled.
"Yeah," said Honda. "Are you going to wear that on-stage?" Ryou snickered at the thought of this buff black man wearing a dress.
The man humped loudly. "What rude people! Honestly, some vagabonds just shouldn't be allowed on a highly-respected cruise ship like this."
"Oh, I disagree," said the old woman, looking at Yugi and Mokuba. "These two have been very kind. My name is Mrs. Alama, and this is my friend Tootsie. We help out back stage with the late night girl shows. But its so hard carrying all of these costumes. Would you two gentlemen mind helping us?"
Jou, Honda, and Ryou gave a double take, and stepped forward. "Y-you mean, l-like stripper girls," Ryou stammered.
"We'll help! We're stronger," said Jou and Honda.
Tootsie growled. "Like we're going to let a bunch of hormone-raging, older guys into a girls dressing room! These kids helped Mrs. Alama, you pushed her down!"
Honda pointed at Yugi. "He's only a couple months-"
Yugi stamped on Honda's foot hard, and grinned unnaturally wide at the old woman. "I'd be happy to help you, ma'am!"
.
.
"I had no idea you were a closet pervert, Yugi," said Mokuba out of the side of his mouth. [7]
"Shh! They still don't know I'm sixteen," whispered Yugi in Japanese. He grinned. "Besides, we all have our little skeletons, ne?"
"I hate to think about what you did to Anzu-chan!"
Yugi glared. "I didn't do anything! Not even a kiss! I care about her too much to put the moves on her, unless I knew she was ready! I swear!"
Mokuba grinned evilly. "So, you did chicken out, huh? Wait'll Seto hears!"
The two of them were still following Mrs. Alama and Tootsie down a long hallway to the dressing rooms a half hour later. Both of them carried a high pile of sequined clothes and boas. Tootsie kept shifting his eyes suspiciously to Yugi, but Mrs. Alama tutted him. "They're harmless! So don't worry." She turned to the boys. "This is the place, my dears," she said sweetly.
Yugi closed his eyes for a moment. 'Lord, I thank You for this bounty I am about to receive, and promise never to complain about my height again!' The doors opened, and both were nearly blinded by the shiny jewelry, make-up cases, and sequined outfits each girl was wearing. Most ran around wearing almost nothing, and Mokuba turned pink when a particularly tall girl brushed up against him on her way to the showers.
Drool dripped down the side of Yugi's mouth, and his eyes turned into swirls. "I have seen the top of the promised land," he muttered to himself, "and it is good."
//Aibou! Ten o' clock low!// Yugi turned to his left just in time to see one dancer in a red thong bending over to put on her nylons. /...it is VERY good!/
Mrs. Alama beckoned them further into the room towards a closet. "Just hang the dresses here, boys. Make sure not to wrinkle the silk scarves. And place the boas in this box here. The girls will pick them up on their own later tonight."
Yugi and Mokuba nodded, and started doing as they were told. All went well at first, but Yugi kept getting distracted. Many of the girls practiced dancing. One had matching tassles on each breast, and spun them around at different rates. /Looks like she taught her puppies and new trick!/
//When did Khnum start making them like that?!// [8]
/I don't think he did, Yami. Special people called 'plastic surgeons' must have made those./
//They do great work!// The ex-pharaoh couldn't help himself but stare. He wished he could clearly remember his past, when he had a heram of women all to himself. All in all, arriving in Egypt made him feel more like a pharaoh, meaning a bit more covetous.
"Yugi, quit putting dresses in the box and boas on the floor," warned Mokuba. A few girls were looking at the blue-hair VP, and he was feeling more and more nervous.
"Ha-hai!" Yugi bent down and scooped up his mistakes, fixing them quickly. He grinned, his eyes turning to upside-down "u"s. /Jonouchi and Honda are gonna be so damn jealous!!/
"Excuse me." They turned to see and rather provocatively dressed Egyptian girl with blue and gold make-up on. Her tight nearly-see-through dress made her look like a goddess statue come to life. But her brown eyes were very much alive. "Can you hand me that blue scarf?"
Both boys did not respond at first, just let their head's tilt to one side. Then Yugi held up the scarf he was holding, and gave a very nervous chuckle. Yami smacked his forehead. //I now fully understand why they thought you were Mokuba's age. At least think with your BRAIN!!//
The girl caught sight of the Mil. Puzzle. "Oh, wow! May I see your pendent, please?! Is it real?"
Before Yugi could react, the Puzzle flashed, and Yami took over. "I'm sorry, but this is very dear to me. I'd rather keep it on."
Mokuba looked at him, and saw that it was Yami. The girl waved her hand. "Its alright! I don't want to take it! You're its guardian."
Yami's eyebrow raised. "Pardon?"
She held out her palm to reveal a burned-on brand of the Millennium Eye. "My name is Calpurnia Ayaat, a member of the Ayaat clan of tomb keepers. My father, Karim Ayaat, watches over the remains of Queen Shukura and her tomb."
Yugi took over in excitement. "Really? That's perfect! Do you know Isis Ishtal?"
"You mean that woman who's been harassing my father for information on the royal family? Yes. I can show her to you once we get to Thebes tomorrow afternoon." She grabbed her purse and took out a notebook. "I'll meet you on the main deck of the ship for lunch at 11."
"Sugoi! Wait'll I tell the others! Nazo's gonna flip! I wonder how she'll feel about seeing her own tomb."
Calpurnia's eyes widened. "The queen is here? Mother Isis, I mustn't be seen like this! I need to look presentable when I first meet her!"
Yugi almost said something about her dress, but Mokuba pulled his sleeve. "Let's go, baka."
.
.
Nazo did not know what to make of Keiko Crawford. Most of the time she acted like a regular, stereotypical American blonde. But this impression was quickly eliminated in the casino, where Keiko won every single game of "Loto" she played. [9] "It takes luck to win once," she said to Anzu. "But it takes skill to win six in a row!"
After winning a few thousand dollars more (thanks to Keiko at Loto, Nazo at Poker, and Mai at Blackjack), they hit the next level up to shop. But shopping was hardly all they did. While there were shops aplenty, activity centers and food stands sprinkled within the rows of stands. Mai took particular interest in the native make-up and jewelry. She had to take several trips back to her room to drop off packages. They all dressed up in dresses and veil, just to see how they looked, and Nazo managed to buy a few good outfits for the road. And any small carnival games that came along the road easily distracted Nazo.
Anzu loved the traveling musicians they encountered, and insisted on dancing a bit when a rock group put on a concert later that evening. Keiko, always had her electric guitar handy, made her way onstage and took requests. She was so good, the said group gladly played along.
For the first time in her two-year memory span, Nazo forgot about her troubled life back in Japan. She felt like a normal teenage girl with a group of wonderful girlfriends. She was beginning to, dare she admit, "lighten up" like Keiko intended. As Keiko played songs from Cowboy Bebop, [10] Anzu pulled Nazo out in the open, and both she and Mai got her to dance a bit to the fast-paced jazz. She didn't care that she looked a bit out-of-step next to the swift-footed Anzu, or as pretty next to the gorgeous Mai, or even as genki as the overly talented Keiko. Her father's abuse and her own self doubt melted away to reveal a beauty all her own.
The concert ended around midnight, but some stores remained open for the night owls. Keiko suggested they get swimsuits and hang out in the Jacuzzi for an hour before turning in. They all eagerly agreed, and made their way to the closest clothing store.
In the fitting room, Nazo stripped down to try on the lime green bikini Mai picked out for her. She turned to the mirror to admire it. A sickening dose of reality filled her stomach. It had been days since she'd last put on concealer, and now her skin revealed the horrible welting and discoloration down her arms, back, neck, and part of her face.
She stared, horrified, and placed a hand over her mouth to stop herself from screaming. The familiar, pale-beige blotches stood out on her rich, tan skin, and the welts spread like spider webs. Scattered visions of the fire flashed around her. She wanted to cover herself up and run away. Her father's voice reverberated in her mind, and she sunk to her knees, vulnerable and exposed.
She grabbed her coat, and searched in the bottomless pockets for something, anything, to cover it. Surly she had a little bit left, at least enough to fix her face. But no, she had nothing.
"Nazo-chan," called Anzu from outside the room. "You done yet? Let's see!"
She tried her pockets again, and again found nothing. Frustrated, she flung her coat against the door.
"What the-," went Mai.
"Nazo," said Anzu. "Daishobu desuka?"
Nazo covered her ears. 'Just go away,' she wanted to scream. 'Go away and leave me alone! I'm worthless! I don't deserve this happiness!'
"Nazo-chan," came a voice from above her. Nazo looked up and saw Keiko, probably standing on something, was peeking over the wall separating the rooms. "What's taking you so lo- Oh man!"
The urge to scream hit even harder. 'No! Not Keiko! Not my newest, best friend! Anyone but her! Go away, Kei-chan! Don't see me like this!'
Keiko's lip curled slightly in disgust. "That color is terrible on you! No wonder you refused to come out!"
Nazo's eyes doubled in size. "Na-Nani?"
Keiko's head disappeared momentarily, and she came back up with a yellow one-piece with green leaves and orange hibiscus flowers. "This'll look much better! Try this on."
"Ar…Aren't you offended?"
"By what, the bikini? Naw, Mai's taste is all in her mouth."
"Not that! I mean… My skin…"
"So you're half Egyptian! You told me at the airport, remember?" Nazo still looked shocked, and black cat ears popped out from Keiko's hair. [11] "What is it?"
Nazo ran her fingers over her scars. "I meant these! They make me look hideous! I'm a freak! I don't have any more make-up to cover it! No one will want to be near me in a pool, not even you guys!"
Keiko rested her chin on the wall. She spoke in a calm, matter-of-fact voice she rarely used. "Nazo, I grew up all over the world, including LA. I've seen people way worse off. Trust me! You may never get universal approval, but then again, no one ever does. And besides, to me, I could care less if you were blue, missing all your fingers, and had your nose attached to your forehead! You're still my friend, and a good person. Tell me, does Yami care?" No answer. "How about Anzu?" No answer. "Well then?" She waited a few seconds for a response, then cat-lipped smiled. "I'll take that as a no. Now, change and get your butt out here so we can go for a swim!"
Before Keiko disappeared, Nazo jumped onto the bench and hugged her. "Thank you," she said, her voice choking back a sob. "Thank you so much!"
Keiko closed her eyes and returned the gesture. "Anytime, Oneesan," she whispered.
[1] - Fushigi Yuugi - A classic anime; the title means "Mysterious Play"
[2] - Keiko C. Crawford - Oh boy! If you don't know Keiko, please read her story! www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1560744
[3] - Keiko with Yugi-tachi - Again, read her fics. I am particularly referencing the sequal, which will come out soon (or so I'm told).
[4] - For those of you who refuse to read the fics, Isis was training Keiko to become an itako/priestess who summons ghosts. She has the ability to see spirits, control them slightly, and sense things around her in much higher then most ordinary people with a sixth sense.
[5] - Keiko's song: "Crossing over the river of sadness, I become a crystal, Pass hope through, the link of souls no da!!" 'Ka Chou Fuu Getsu' / 'Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon' a Chichiri song from Fushigi Yuugi, Sung by Seki Tomokazu, Lyrics by Aoki Kumiko, and Composition/Arrangement by Makino Saburou
[6] - English - All Japanese students are taught English (or "Eego") from an early age. So they should all have a basic understanding of the language by tenth grade, ne?
[7] - 'Closet Pervert' - I don't know if this is a real term or not, but Naruto uses it a lot. Just means that someone you least expect to be a pervert is and tries to keep it quiet.
[8] - Khnum - The Egyptian god of creation; molds people on his potter's wheel
[9] - Loto - An Italian card game; our modern-day lottery come from this
[10] - Cowboy Bebop - Yet another anime my friends love.
[11] - Falling manga, cat-lips, and cat ears - Keiko is very... um... comedy-based character. She's the kind of gal you'd normally see in humor or romance fics, not action ones like mine. But she's so damn cute, needed her! And one of my best friends made her. But, as you will soon see, she has a very serious/tragic side to her.
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Yugi: Yo minna-san! Next chapter is one of the scariest thus far!! I.... I can't get over it, and it hasn't even happened yet! Let's just say that Nazo's vison must have been a warning or something. Next chapter is called "A Pharoah's Temper and A Queen's Revenge!"
.
This chapter is dedicated to my Imoto, Keiko! And to our friendship.
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Bardock: *snore*'
Yami: Long and fluffy, this.
Una: Drama comes heavy next chapter. I needed humor to lead it.
Yugi: *grins* I liked it!!
Una: *sarcastic* Gee, I wonder why...
Yami: If I remember properly, didn't Keiko try to kill me in her fic?
Una: I dunno. ^_^ The reviewers should read and see!
Yami: Is the auther who made Keiko really like this?
Una: To some extent. And I put more of my persona into Nazo this time around. I get self conscious a lot too, and she's always there for me. A true friend!
Yugi: But does she really sing random Japanese songs, jump around, is really smart, and acts like an idiot?
Una: Yes. So?
Yami: And you are still generally sane?
Bardock: *snore*
Una: Oh fuck, Bardock, HUMOR AND FLUFF IS NECESSARY FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!! MUST I BE DRAMATIC ALL THE TIME?!?!
Yugi: You tell me, Sarah Burnheart. R&R, minna-san!
CatStar - I have always been a huge fan of the original YGO stuff, where the Kaibas are nuts. Luckily Takahashi-san dulls them down a bit later on (or Mokuba, at least!).
Shibby - I wanted to drag the mafia thing out more, but space did not permit. I'm already going over-board on length! Well, fo me anyway. As for who dies.... You'll find out in chapter 12 of ESoT.
Ente - OMG! You are on the tip of the truth! Stay cool and trust me to take you for a ride to a happy, satisfying ending, I promise! And for a hint 'History always repeats itself.'
Yugi: Hey Ente, don't you kill me off yourself?
Greenwood - You're Italian, too? so is Keiko (writer and character). And as for Kaiba's early antics, please consult the manga!! Seriously, that tells the REAL story! Kaiba even spends over $80 million to make an amusement park called "Death-T", in which all of the games, if you lose, end in death. (At least, it did for one day only) And since Yugi/Yami defeated him in DM, he forces the group to go the first day it opens. And Mokuba was no better. Seriously read it! Manga volumes 4-5
Yugiohchix2008 - Just how many times HAS dear little Excel died? I lost count after ep 4!
digigirl - Sorry it took so long my cheerleadingfunnylittleflagwavingfriend! ^_^
Strawberrylover - *waves* You've been notified, I take it!
Lislis no Baka - LISLIS!!!!! *glomp* I've missed you over Spring Break! You are one of my more normal/mature best friends!!
Bardock/Yugi/Yami: O.O HER?!?!
Bardock: Well, considering her other best friends consist of the living embodiment of Excel, a history buff with the memory span of a fish, and, well-
Keiko: ME!!!
Bardock: Yes... well, an artist who purrs and writes Dementia songs is quite normal in Una's world.
Jennyfish - The other "normal" friend. ^_^ At least I spent time with you over the break. Maybe we can watch anoth movie together soon! Or go see "Home On the Range" with Lislis.
Serafina - LONG TIME NO SEE!!! MISSED YOU!!!
.
.
Yami: *looks over length* Most reviewers, longer chapter ever, most detailed. You're taking a lot into this story.
Bardock: Hey! She's paying attention to both of us lately. I don't get it.
Una: I'm trying to do better. Problem is, school is about a month and a half longer.
Yugi: Why's that a problem?
Una: Finals are coming, too.
Bardock/Yami/Yugi: NNOOOO!!!!!
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Yami: Last time, the group of us finally landed in Egypt, only to find Kaiba there waiting for us! Now what?
Yugi: *whispers* And what Yami doesn't know is that Nazo had a terrible vision, where he was really mean, even hit her! But that would never happen now, right?
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Chapter 2
Shop 'Til Ya Drop! Welcome to Egypt!
Yugi's hair stood completely on end (bangs included). He held back a scream and slowly lifted his chin. Sure enough, Kaiba Seto towered over him, glaring down with his piercing blue eyes. "Ano… Konichiwa, Kaiba-kun!"
"Spare me the pleasantries, Yugi," said Seto in a dangerously soft voice. "How about instead we talk about the thousands of dollars you stole from my company under a false name? You know, grand larceny is a major felony, as is murder…" His grip tightened. "And you just so happen to have committed both!"
All Yugi could do was wince.
"Hold on, Stretch," said Nazo, pushing the taller teen's elbow, forcing him to lose his grip on Yugi. "I'm the one who did both, with great ease might I add, since your security system sucks! So take your hands off my friend."
Any color left in Yugi's face drained away. He waved his arms frantically. "Nazo, what in the name of…?!"
"So," growled Seto, "you are Tanaka Nazo."
"Pleased to meet you at last, Kaiba-san," she said, taking off her right glove and folding her arms so that the Mil. Bracelet gleamed. "After all I've heard about you, I expected something a bit more impressive."
"Hard to come from a piece of trash wearing trash," muttered Seto.
Yugi took a few steps back. Whoever made a move first, there would surly be an explosion. After all, both were dangerous in their own ways.
"Se-cha~an!!"
Yugi almost fainted with relief at the sound of that familiar, sing-song voice. "Keiko-san!"
Seto's beautiful, bouncy, blonde fiancé jogged over to her loved one and glomped his arm, oblivious to the tension. "You took so long getting our car! You said you'd be right back, no da!" Keiko's attention turned to something glinting from Nazo's belt. "Hey! What's that?"
Nazo sweat-dropped. "Uh…"
"Your belt! So shiny! Is that…" Keiko squealed with delight and stared. "The Fushigi Yuugi Rhinestone Deluxe Belt! They only made, like, fifty of those!" [1]
Nazo grinned. "You're a fan?"
"Of course! I have one of those, too! Only mine has Nuriko as the featured character!"
"I like Tamahome more. He's so hott!"
The two teenage girls started walking away, chatting like old friends. Kaiba and Yugi just gaped their way. Yugi turned to Kaiba. "Know what? As strange as that was, that didn't surprise me one bit!"
.
.
Jonouchi tried to act cool when he saw Seto, Yugi, Nazo, and Keiko walking up to join them. Of course, this didn't help when he'd been trying to climb up the chute for the baggage to get away once Mokuba had met up with them and told them his brother was coming. Seto assured them that if there was to be bloodshed, he would not have brought Keiko.
Meanwhile, Keiko and Nazo talked to each other as if they'd known each other their whole lives. "I can't believe it," exclaimed Nazo. "You are the daughter of Pegasus Crawford? That's awesome!" [2]
"Normally when I tell people, they aren't quite so friendly," said Keiko, thinking back on less-than-fond memories with Yugi-tachi. [3]
"Actually, I wrote to him once when I was still in the hospital. I told him I was interested in Duel Monsters, and how they were keeping me distracted from… well… my condition." She pulled out her deck from one of her numerous pockets. "He made this card for me." She pulled out her prized Queen's Loyalty. "A one-of-a-kind card! Its gotten me out of some tough spots."
"Dad was nice to a lot of people. He was a good man, when you didn't get in his way." Keiko's eyes fell a little. "I miss him."
"You're lucky! My father was a bastard who would beat me. But Yami took care of all that for me."
"Who?"
Before Nazo answered, two arms wrapped themselves around her. Yami put his face close to her ear so she could feel his breath on her neck. "Miss me, Dearest?"
Nazo had gasped initially, but when she heard his voice, she relaxed. "That wasn't nice, Yami," she said coyly.
Yami released her, and she threw her own arms around him. "How are you going to put up with me, I wonder," he said playfully.
She leaned closer. "I wonder…" They kissed.
Keiko's eyes widened, she blinked twice, and a random Gravitation manga dropped on her head. [11] Yugi's spirit separated from Yami and he sighed. "Hi, Keiko-san. I know, this is gonna take some explaining…" [4]
Anzu had been talking to Mokuba and Seto, explaining their situation. Makuba spotted Nazo and Yami, and gaped. "Woah! She knows that's the pharaoh, right?"
"Considering that she was the queen, she'd better," laughed Honda.
Kaiba grimaced. "Can't you two wait for us to get out of the public eye? Its nauseating!"
"But you and Keiko make-out all the time, Oniisan," said Mokuba.
Yami stopped and groaned. "Sorry, Nazo, but that idea really got me out of the mood!"
Mai interjected, "If you guys are finished getting re-acquainted, there's still the matter of where we're going to sleep until we can get to Thebes."
"How far is it from here," asked Jonouchi.
"About a thousand miles or so," said Ryou. "And that's if we swim down the Nile."
"We are," said Keiko.
"What? I was only joking!"
"I'm not," said Keiko, a familiar, cat-like grin spreading across her face. "I've already arranged it! We're taking the famous 'King's Cruise' down the Nile right to the capital city!"
Anzu, Jonouchi, Ryou, Nazo, and Honda's eyes widened. "Cruise?"
Keiko nodded. Seto eyed her. "And how much money did THIS part of the trip cost me?"
"Not a thing! Elaine Harris, the pilot of the plane, gave me free passes for me and a dozen of my friends!"
"That was nice of her," Ryou said.
"Why do I doubt she's telling the truth," Jonouchi muttered.
//What's a cruise?//
Yugi sweat-dropped. /You'll see./
.
.
The ship Keiko took them to was larger than seemed to be possible for the longest river in the world! It was painted yellow-gold, and was shaped like the Sphinx on the top, with windows for the eyes and a large dance floor between the paws. The head was off limits to passengers (filled with fireworks that came out of the mouth and nemes). The next level held a market-place filled with fancy/expensive merchandise, much of it based on Egyptian products (like costumes, ankh earrings, Sphinx toothpaste, all the way to Anubis plushies, make-up with Cleopatra's face, and mummy toilet paper!) The next level had dining rooms, casinos, and entertainment areas that would make Las Vegas look cheap. Finally, on the bottom floor accessible to passengers, were the large 'living quarters,' or posh bedrooms and bathrooms. At the very bottom were the six engines and supply rooms.
The eleven stared up at the ship, five in awe, four with indifference, and two with slight contempt. Yugi and Ryou had pictured their first journey to Egypt in a very different light, and weren't really hoping for such luxury. It also disappointed them both that they had no time to sight-see. "How's Yugi and Nazo supposed to remain in hiding on board a ship like this," asked Ryou.
"Well, you know what they say," said Jonouchi. "'The best place to hide is out in the open.'"
"That's one of the smartest things you've ever said, Jou-kun," said Keiko. "C'mon minna! Let's go on!"
As they made their way onboard, they kept admiring. "My whole house could fit in there," said Nazo.
Yami took in the beauty of the ship as a whole. "There was NOTHING like this in the Egypt I remember… but I am quite intrigued."
Kaiba snorted. "I thought you were searching for your memories, Pharaoh," he said mockingly.
Yami glared. "I managed to get some back, Seto! And I'll add this: You were a disappointment as a duelist!"
Kaiba shook his head like he could care less. "Mokuba, I'm going to be in a meeting online. Make sure Keiko doesn't buy out the entire boat, okay?" He walked away towards an elevator to a private room.
Nazo took out the tickets. "This gives us access to six rooms with two queen-sized beds in each. So we need to pick roommates."
"I'll be Keiko's roommate," offered Jou with a wink.
"Only if I get to tie you to propellers," she snapped.
"Guys," said Yugi, who had taken over control again (he didn't want Yami sharing a room with Nazo, under any circumstances), "let's be fair about this! Guys with guys, and girls with girls. Ryou, you and I can take one room. Jou and Honda another, Kaiba and Mokuba another, and the girls can deal among themselves."
"I'd rather a room of my own," said Mokuba. "Keiko, you can take my place with Seto."
"Thanks Mokuba."
Jonouchi pouted. "You guys are no fun."
Anzu, who was a few feet away from the group, was talking to her father on her cell phone. "Yes, Dad, I'm fine. Oh I don't know, maybe a three weeks. No, the dance camp is all girls, don't worry. I'll tell you all about it when I get home. Love you. Bye." She hung up mostly because she felt like she wanted to cry. She hated lying to her dad. They were so close!
A gentle hand touched her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Anzu," said Yugi.
Anzu forced a smile. "I'm okay, Yugi! I'm just happy to be with you. I mean, leaving your mom and grandpa was hard too."
Yugi gave a weak smile. "Yeah, but I had no choice." He paused. "Anzu… um… I was wondering if we could talk abo-"
"Hey Anzu," said Mai, grabbing hold of the teen's arm. "Let's go on a shopping spree, just us girls! It'll be fun!"
"We only have two days on this boat," said Keiko, pulling up her red and black arm warmers. "And there's a whole level of this ship full of shops! We'd better get going!"
Nazo hesitated. This Keiko person was much more hyper-active then she expected. But Keiko glomped her arm. "What's wrong, Nazo-chan? Getting skiddish already?"
Nazo sweat-dropped. "Nani?"
"Don't worry." She gave a mischievous grin. "I'll help you lighten up!!" And though Nazo pulled back out of slight fear, Keiko began skipping with her in arm, held out her hand as if charging into battle, and singing at the top of her lungs:
"~~Kanashimi no kawa wo koete
~~Oira wa suishou ni naru
~~Tamashii no dendoutai ni
~~Kibou wo toosu no daaaaa!!!" [5]
Anzu and Mai laughed. "I'll talk to you later, Yugi," said Anzu, and she and Mai ran off to join the other girls. Yugi only waved good-bye. 'Kuso! So much for talking to her.'
"Hey, that's right," said Ryou. "Didn't you and Anzu go on a date the day we left Japan?"
Yugi gulped. 'Uh-oh!'
Jonouchi got closer to him. "Yeah, that's right. You never told us how it went. Didja kiss her?"
Honda came up on Yugi's other side. "I'll bet you chickened out at the last second, didn't you?"
Mokuba came up too. "Yugi and Anzu are dating? That's crazy!"
Yugi sweat-dropped. "Uh… Can we talk later? L-let's get some food or something first… okay?" How was he going to tell them that he never kissed her?
Jonouchi looked at his bud suspiciously, then nodded. "Sounds great! I'm starvin'! Let's hit the- HEY!!" He'd bumped into somebody carrying an assortment of sparkly clothes and feathered boas. "Watch where yer going!"
The man stumbled backwards and knocked into an old lady carrying the same thing. She fell down hard, giving a small whimper of pain. The man, a big black dude wearing a gold Egyptian-style skirt and names, growled at Jonouchi. "Ya big jerk," he said in a strangely high voice.
Yugi immediately rushed over to help the old woman up. "Please forgive my friend," he said slowly. He may be good in English class, but speaking it was so hard! [6] "Jonouchi is very… reckless with his mind is on food."
Mokuba started picking up the fallen garments, sneezing from one of the feathered boas. "What is this stuff for, anyway?"
The man pouted slightly. "We are taking these quality costumes to their owners, who're going to be on stage in a few minutes. And look!" He let out a high-pitched scream and picked up one of the nylon dresses limply. "This crease won't come out in time! Sandra will be furious!"
A muscle twitched in Jou and Honda's faces. "Not my problem, sweetness," he grumbled.
"Yeah," said Honda. "Are you going to wear that on-stage?" Ryou snickered at the thought of this buff black man wearing a dress.
The man humped loudly. "What rude people! Honestly, some vagabonds just shouldn't be allowed on a highly-respected cruise ship like this."
"Oh, I disagree," said the old woman, looking at Yugi and Mokuba. "These two have been very kind. My name is Mrs. Alama, and this is my friend Tootsie. We help out back stage with the late night girl shows. But its so hard carrying all of these costumes. Would you two gentlemen mind helping us?"
Jou, Honda, and Ryou gave a double take, and stepped forward. "Y-you mean, l-like stripper girls," Ryou stammered.
"We'll help! We're stronger," said Jou and Honda.
Tootsie growled. "Like we're going to let a bunch of hormone-raging, older guys into a girls dressing room! These kids helped Mrs. Alama, you pushed her down!"
Honda pointed at Yugi. "He's only a couple months-"
Yugi stamped on Honda's foot hard, and grinned unnaturally wide at the old woman. "I'd be happy to help you, ma'am!"
.
.
"I had no idea you were a closet pervert, Yugi," said Mokuba out of the side of his mouth. [7]
"Shh! They still don't know I'm sixteen," whispered Yugi in Japanese. He grinned. "Besides, we all have our little skeletons, ne?"
"I hate to think about what you did to Anzu-chan!"
Yugi glared. "I didn't do anything! Not even a kiss! I care about her too much to put the moves on her, unless I knew she was ready! I swear!"
Mokuba grinned evilly. "So, you did chicken out, huh? Wait'll Seto hears!"
The two of them were still following Mrs. Alama and Tootsie down a long hallway to the dressing rooms a half hour later. Both of them carried a high pile of sequined clothes and boas. Tootsie kept shifting his eyes suspiciously to Yugi, but Mrs. Alama tutted him. "They're harmless! So don't worry." She turned to the boys. "This is the place, my dears," she said sweetly.
Yugi closed his eyes for a moment. 'Lord, I thank You for this bounty I am about to receive, and promise never to complain about my height again!' The doors opened, and both were nearly blinded by the shiny jewelry, make-up cases, and sequined outfits each girl was wearing. Most ran around wearing almost nothing, and Mokuba turned pink when a particularly tall girl brushed up against him on her way to the showers.
Drool dripped down the side of Yugi's mouth, and his eyes turned into swirls. "I have seen the top of the promised land," he muttered to himself, "and it is good."
//Aibou! Ten o' clock low!// Yugi turned to his left just in time to see one dancer in a red thong bending over to put on her nylons. /...it is VERY good!/
Mrs. Alama beckoned them further into the room towards a closet. "Just hang the dresses here, boys. Make sure not to wrinkle the silk scarves. And place the boas in this box here. The girls will pick them up on their own later tonight."
Yugi and Mokuba nodded, and started doing as they were told. All went well at first, but Yugi kept getting distracted. Many of the girls practiced dancing. One had matching tassles on each breast, and spun them around at different rates. /Looks like she taught her puppies and new trick!/
//When did Khnum start making them like that?!// [8]
/I don't think he did, Yami. Special people called 'plastic surgeons' must have made those./
//They do great work!// The ex-pharaoh couldn't help himself but stare. He wished he could clearly remember his past, when he had a heram of women all to himself. All in all, arriving in Egypt made him feel more like a pharaoh, meaning a bit more covetous.
"Yugi, quit putting dresses in the box and boas on the floor," warned Mokuba. A few girls were looking at the blue-hair VP, and he was feeling more and more nervous.
"Ha-hai!" Yugi bent down and scooped up his mistakes, fixing them quickly. He grinned, his eyes turning to upside-down "u"s. /Jonouchi and Honda are gonna be so damn jealous!!/
"Excuse me." They turned to see and rather provocatively dressed Egyptian girl with blue and gold make-up on. Her tight nearly-see-through dress made her look like a goddess statue come to life. But her brown eyes were very much alive. "Can you hand me that blue scarf?"
Both boys did not respond at first, just let their head's tilt to one side. Then Yugi held up the scarf he was holding, and gave a very nervous chuckle. Yami smacked his forehead. //I now fully understand why they thought you were Mokuba's age. At least think with your BRAIN!!//
The girl caught sight of the Mil. Puzzle. "Oh, wow! May I see your pendent, please?! Is it real?"
Before Yugi could react, the Puzzle flashed, and Yami took over. "I'm sorry, but this is very dear to me. I'd rather keep it on."
Mokuba looked at him, and saw that it was Yami. The girl waved her hand. "Its alright! I don't want to take it! You're its guardian."
Yami's eyebrow raised. "Pardon?"
She held out her palm to reveal a burned-on brand of the Millennium Eye. "My name is Calpurnia Ayaat, a member of the Ayaat clan of tomb keepers. My father, Karim Ayaat, watches over the remains of Queen Shukura and her tomb."
Yugi took over in excitement. "Really? That's perfect! Do you know Isis Ishtal?"
"You mean that woman who's been harassing my father for information on the royal family? Yes. I can show her to you once we get to Thebes tomorrow afternoon." She grabbed her purse and took out a notebook. "I'll meet you on the main deck of the ship for lunch at 11."
"Sugoi! Wait'll I tell the others! Nazo's gonna flip! I wonder how she'll feel about seeing her own tomb."
Calpurnia's eyes widened. "The queen is here? Mother Isis, I mustn't be seen like this! I need to look presentable when I first meet her!"
Yugi almost said something about her dress, but Mokuba pulled his sleeve. "Let's go, baka."
.
.
Nazo did not know what to make of Keiko Crawford. Most of the time she acted like a regular, stereotypical American blonde. But this impression was quickly eliminated in the casino, where Keiko won every single game of "Loto" she played. [9] "It takes luck to win once," she said to Anzu. "But it takes skill to win six in a row!"
After winning a few thousand dollars more (thanks to Keiko at Loto, Nazo at Poker, and Mai at Blackjack), they hit the next level up to shop. But shopping was hardly all they did. While there were shops aplenty, activity centers and food stands sprinkled within the rows of stands. Mai took particular interest in the native make-up and jewelry. She had to take several trips back to her room to drop off packages. They all dressed up in dresses and veil, just to see how they looked, and Nazo managed to buy a few good outfits for the road. And any small carnival games that came along the road easily distracted Nazo.
Anzu loved the traveling musicians they encountered, and insisted on dancing a bit when a rock group put on a concert later that evening. Keiko, always had her electric guitar handy, made her way onstage and took requests. She was so good, the said group gladly played along.
For the first time in her two-year memory span, Nazo forgot about her troubled life back in Japan. She felt like a normal teenage girl with a group of wonderful girlfriends. She was beginning to, dare she admit, "lighten up" like Keiko intended. As Keiko played songs from Cowboy Bebop, [10] Anzu pulled Nazo out in the open, and both she and Mai got her to dance a bit to the fast-paced jazz. She didn't care that she looked a bit out-of-step next to the swift-footed Anzu, or as pretty next to the gorgeous Mai, or even as genki as the overly talented Keiko. Her father's abuse and her own self doubt melted away to reveal a beauty all her own.
The concert ended around midnight, but some stores remained open for the night owls. Keiko suggested they get swimsuits and hang out in the Jacuzzi for an hour before turning in. They all eagerly agreed, and made their way to the closest clothing store.
In the fitting room, Nazo stripped down to try on the lime green bikini Mai picked out for her. She turned to the mirror to admire it. A sickening dose of reality filled her stomach. It had been days since she'd last put on concealer, and now her skin revealed the horrible welting and discoloration down her arms, back, neck, and part of her face.
She stared, horrified, and placed a hand over her mouth to stop herself from screaming. The familiar, pale-beige blotches stood out on her rich, tan skin, and the welts spread like spider webs. Scattered visions of the fire flashed around her. She wanted to cover herself up and run away. Her father's voice reverberated in her mind, and she sunk to her knees, vulnerable and exposed.
She grabbed her coat, and searched in the bottomless pockets for something, anything, to cover it. Surly she had a little bit left, at least enough to fix her face. But no, she had nothing.
"Nazo-chan," called Anzu from outside the room. "You done yet? Let's see!"
She tried her pockets again, and again found nothing. Frustrated, she flung her coat against the door.
"What the-," went Mai.
"Nazo," said Anzu. "Daishobu desuka?"
Nazo covered her ears. 'Just go away,' she wanted to scream. 'Go away and leave me alone! I'm worthless! I don't deserve this happiness!'
"Nazo-chan," came a voice from above her. Nazo looked up and saw Keiko, probably standing on something, was peeking over the wall separating the rooms. "What's taking you so lo- Oh man!"
The urge to scream hit even harder. 'No! Not Keiko! Not my newest, best friend! Anyone but her! Go away, Kei-chan! Don't see me like this!'
Keiko's lip curled slightly in disgust. "That color is terrible on you! No wonder you refused to come out!"
Nazo's eyes doubled in size. "Na-Nani?"
Keiko's head disappeared momentarily, and she came back up with a yellow one-piece with green leaves and orange hibiscus flowers. "This'll look much better! Try this on."
"Ar…Aren't you offended?"
"By what, the bikini? Naw, Mai's taste is all in her mouth."
"Not that! I mean… My skin…"
"So you're half Egyptian! You told me at the airport, remember?" Nazo still looked shocked, and black cat ears popped out from Keiko's hair. [11] "What is it?"
Nazo ran her fingers over her scars. "I meant these! They make me look hideous! I'm a freak! I don't have any more make-up to cover it! No one will want to be near me in a pool, not even you guys!"
Keiko rested her chin on the wall. She spoke in a calm, matter-of-fact voice she rarely used. "Nazo, I grew up all over the world, including LA. I've seen people way worse off. Trust me! You may never get universal approval, but then again, no one ever does. And besides, to me, I could care less if you were blue, missing all your fingers, and had your nose attached to your forehead! You're still my friend, and a good person. Tell me, does Yami care?" No answer. "How about Anzu?" No answer. "Well then?" She waited a few seconds for a response, then cat-lipped smiled. "I'll take that as a no. Now, change and get your butt out here so we can go for a swim!"
Before Keiko disappeared, Nazo jumped onto the bench and hugged her. "Thank you," she said, her voice choking back a sob. "Thank you so much!"
Keiko closed her eyes and returned the gesture. "Anytime, Oneesan," she whispered.
[1] - Fushigi Yuugi - A classic anime; the title means "Mysterious Play"
[2] - Keiko C. Crawford - Oh boy! If you don't know Keiko, please read her story! www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1560744
[3] - Keiko with Yugi-tachi - Again, read her fics. I am particularly referencing the sequal, which will come out soon (or so I'm told).
[4] - For those of you who refuse to read the fics, Isis was training Keiko to become an itako/priestess who summons ghosts. She has the ability to see spirits, control them slightly, and sense things around her in much higher then most ordinary people with a sixth sense.
[5] - Keiko's song: "Crossing over the river of sadness, I become a crystal, Pass hope through, the link of souls no da!!" 'Ka Chou Fuu Getsu' / 'Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon' a Chichiri song from Fushigi Yuugi, Sung by Seki Tomokazu, Lyrics by Aoki Kumiko, and Composition/Arrangement by Makino Saburou
[6] - English - All Japanese students are taught English (or "Eego") from an early age. So they should all have a basic understanding of the language by tenth grade, ne?
[7] - 'Closet Pervert' - I don't know if this is a real term or not, but Naruto uses it a lot. Just means that someone you least expect to be a pervert is and tries to keep it quiet.
[8] - Khnum - The Egyptian god of creation; molds people on his potter's wheel
[9] - Loto - An Italian card game; our modern-day lottery come from this
[10] - Cowboy Bebop - Yet another anime my friends love.
[11] - Falling manga, cat-lips, and cat ears - Keiko is very... um... comedy-based character. She's the kind of gal you'd normally see in humor or romance fics, not action ones like mine. But she's so damn cute, needed her! And one of my best friends made her. But, as you will soon see, she has a very serious/tragic side to her.
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Yugi: Yo minna-san! Next chapter is one of the scariest thus far!! I.... I can't get over it, and it hasn't even happened yet! Let's just say that Nazo's vison must have been a warning or something. Next chapter is called "A Pharoah's Temper and A Queen's Revenge!"
.
This chapter is dedicated to my Imoto, Keiko! And to our friendship.
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Bardock: *snore*'
Yami: Long and fluffy, this.
Una: Drama comes heavy next chapter. I needed humor to lead it.
Yugi: *grins* I liked it!!
Una: *sarcastic* Gee, I wonder why...
Yami: If I remember properly, didn't Keiko try to kill me in her fic?
Una: I dunno. ^_^ The reviewers should read and see!
Yami: Is the auther who made Keiko really like this?
Una: To some extent. And I put more of my persona into Nazo this time around. I get self conscious a lot too, and she's always there for me. A true friend!
Yugi: But does she really sing random Japanese songs, jump around, is really smart, and acts like an idiot?
Una: Yes. So?
Yami: And you are still generally sane?
Bardock: *snore*
Una: Oh fuck, Bardock, HUMOR AND FLUFF IS NECESSARY FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!! MUST I BE DRAMATIC ALL THE TIME?!?!
Yugi: You tell me, Sarah Burnheart. R&R, minna-san!