"Daughters of Isis"

By: Heikou & Janime

Childhood Memories

"Theliane! Theliane! Where is that child?" the temple guard muttered before resuming his task of locating the Daughter of Ra. "Theliane!"

The evasive child in question then peeked out from behind a statue of Horus, smiling widely as she watched the guard turn and walk down another corridor. Giggling, Theliane sprinted from her hiding place to the hallway leading to the main entrance of the temple.

Maybe now I can go outside, the child thought. Having used the secret passages that lined the temple, Theliane used them to her advantage to make the temple guards and her mother's Guardians look for her. In past times, she would let them purposely find her in within the temple grounds but in an area that was far away from the entrance, but no one had bothered to check.

Theliane hoped that those looking for her would be searching in the spots where she had been found. She looked out and saw that she was alone. She smiled to herself, ready to run for the entrance but she had to be quiet. She walked towards the entrance, acting as innocent as she looked but the closer she got the faster she walked until she was fairly running. Just as she was about to run outside though someone stepped out from the doorway and caught her.

"Where do you think you're going?" the Guardian asked with a knowing look.

"No where," she said innocently.

"Were you trying to go outside?"

"Nooo."

"Theliane, you know you are not allowed outside the temple. Now let's go find your mother I'm sure she's worried."

"No need," Nathifa approached, "I'm right here." She looked at her daughter. "Where have you been, Theliane?"

The young girl turned her emerald eyes away from her mother. "Hiding."

"You tried to go outside the temple again, didn't you?"

A nod was the answer.

Nathifa sighed. "Theliane, you are not permitted. You and your Sisters must stay inside the Temple of Isis. Out there, Mother Isis can't protect because you cannot call upon her for help yet." She took her daughter's hand, and began to lead her back inside.

"Theliane!"

The young girl turned around, still holding her mother's hand as she watched a young boy run up the steps to the temple.

"Sadiki!" she cried happily.

"And what bring you here, Sadiki?" Nathifa smiled at the boy; she was fond of him as if he were her son. And taking care of him the last four years along with Theliane was a handful.

"Father said that you were here," Sadiki smiled at them--more at the girl than her mother.

"Can Sadiki and I go to the pool?" Theliane looked at her mother, emerald eyes pleading.

Unable to resist, Nathifa nodded. The two children joined hands and ran along the walkway inside the temple, passing the guards as they went. When they arrived at the pool, they jumped right in.

The waters were cool but the children didn't mind as they splashed about, having fun. Nathifa slowly walked her way towards the pool, nodding to the guards as they bowed to her. She couldn't help but smile as they played around. She sat on a nearby bench and continued to watch them.

My dear daughter... if only I could let you live your life as an ordinary child, she thought a bit sadly. But Father Ra has shown me many things... you and your Sisters are destined for greatness.

After some time, Theliane and Sadiki climbed out of the pool. Nathifa picked up two large linen sheets and wrapped each of the children in one.

"You two stay right here," she said. "I will bring you something to eat."

"That was fun," said Sadiki as they sat on the bench and dropped the sheets to the ground.

Theliane giggled and rested her head on her friend's shoulder. "I'm glad you came, Sadiki. I haven't seen you in a long time, I missed you."

He smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. One would not believe, that even though these children had only lived a decade, how close they were.

"Theliane, do you know what a kiss is?" Sadiki asked.

"A what?" she looked at him.

"Kiss."

The young Daughter shook her head.

Sadiki gave her a cheeky smile. "Ha, I do!"

"You've been doing that since we met!" Theliane slapped him with her sheet. "It's not fair that you find out interesting things!"

"Then go into the city!"

"I'm not allowed to leave the temple yet."

Sadiki watched her pout. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "Would you like me to tell you what a kiss is?"

Theliane looked at him and nodded.

Sadiki leaned over and pressed his lips to hers briefly.

"That's a kiss?" Theliane asked when he pulled back.

Sadiki nodded with a smile. "I saw a man and a lady kiss a few days ago."

Theliane smiled. "I like it."

"Really?" he said happily.

"Yes. It was nice," she smiled and like he did, she kissed him back.

Sadiki blushed lightly. He had always cared about his friend since they met and now, it just felt right to kiss her.

Nathifa came back with a tray of food and drinks. She joined them and listened as Sadiki told her about his day. She could see how close the two children were and felt joy. Her daughter was happy and she knew that Sadiki would be a loyal Guardian when the time came.

Agalameia looked everywhere for her pet, a black jackal one of her mother's Guardians had given her. It wasn't rare to see jackals in Egypt but it was especially rare to see one solid black. The little girl was overjoyed and named him after her father but now he was missing and she was worried.

"Anubis!" she called out, looking behind the statues and the altars once more. What if he went outside? She knew she wasn't allowed but she was worried for her pet. Frowning she walked out of the temple, still calling for the little jackal.

Two boys, both with extremely pale hair ran past, nearly knocking Agalameia to the ground.

"Watch it!" the one with shorter hair yelled.

The second boy, who had longer hair, walked over to Agalameia. "Are you alright?"

She nodded, staring at the two boys in amazement. They looked exactly alike! The only differences between them were their hair lengths, and the boy with the shorter hair looked a little mean from his expression.

"What?" the shorthaired one asked snappishly.

"There are two of you!" Agalameia exclaimed.

"We're twins."

"Twins?"

"When two babies are born on the same day, one right after the other," said the longhaired boy. "My name is Manu. This is my older brother, Mosi."

"My name is Agalameia."

"That's a dumb name," Mosi laughed.

"Is not! My mother thinks it's a beautiful name!" she said angrily.

"I still think it's dumb."

"You're dumb!"

"No you are!"

"Mosi! You're suppose to be nice to girls!" Manu said in a scold before turning to smile at the young girl. "What are you doing out here?"

"I'm looking for my pet. His name is Anubis and he's all black."

"You named your pet after the God of the Dead?" Mosi looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

"He's named after my Father," Agalameia told him.

"Your father was named after Anubis?" Manu asked.

"Anubis is my Father."

The twins looked at her, and then Mosi snorted, "And I'm the greatest thief in all of Egypt."

The little girl blinked and grew mad. She was telling the truth and these boys thought she was lying! "He is!"

"You're a liar."

"Am not!"

"Where did your pet go?" Manu asked quickly before they could fight.

"I don't know! I saw him this morning but now I can't find him. Will you help me look for him?"

"We don't have time to help a liar," Mosi snapped.

Agalameia glared at him but she was trying very hard not to cry. "I don't want help from, from a jerk like you!"

Mosi fumed. "Why you little-"

"Brother! Don't!" Manu jumped between them. "Let's just help find her pet and then go home."

Mosi narrowed his eyes at his younger twin then glanced behind his brother at the girl who was looking at him with wide eyes and her hands held up to her mouth. His heart softened a bit when he looked into her eyes. "Alright," he nodded, "let's go."

The three children walked off, heading into the marketplace.

Agalameia looked around in amazement at all the items on display, hardly believing that all this was just outside her home. Someone driving an ox that was pulling a wagon went by. The animal made a protesting noise, causing Agalameia to immediately latch onto Mosi's arm.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I've never been outside the temple before," she answered, her eyes wide with both intrigue and a little fear.

The twins looked at her. "You've spent your entire life in a temple?" Manu asked.

"I was born at the Temple of Anubis, and then four years ago my mother and I came to the Temple of Isis. I've lived there since then."

Neither of the boys knew what to say so they made sure to stay close. Since the brothers knew the marketplace better than the little girl they asked the merchants and people if they had seen a dog around the area. So far they were having no luck but a food merchant said he had seen a black animal being chased by some children.

"Which way did they go?" Manu asked.

"Down there but I wouldn't go after them. Those kids are bullies and won't think twice about hurting you three."

"But I have to find him! Please?" Agalameia begged.

Mosi wanted to let her go find the stupid animal by herself but before he knew it he and Manu were heading down the path the merchant said he saw the animal run. They found him alright, corner by some older children as they threw rocks at it and hit it while laughing. Agalameia's eyes widen as she saw this, without thinking twice she ran towards them, pushing them out of the way and dropped to her knees, pulling the terrified animal into her arms.

"Anubis!" she cried, looking at the kids with tears rolling down her face. "Leave him alone! He didn't do anything to you!"

"So what?" one of the bullies sneered. "We were having fun and no thanks to you its over."

"Not yet!" another boy drew back his hand, aiming the rock for the little girl.

Mosi grabbed the boy's wrist and yanked him to the ground. "Leave her alone!" he yelled.

Manu blinked. He had never seen his brother do something like that before!

"Mosi! Not you, again!"

"That's right, it's me again!" Mosi narrowed his eyes. "Some pride of Egypt's sons you are! Picking on an animal and throwing stones at a little girl!"

"Um..." The boys looked down at being caught in the act. "It was just a game..."

"A really stupid game!" the young boy growled.

Manu moved closer and knelt before their new friend. The animal was shaking, dirty, and had some scratches but at least it was alright. "Let's take you home."

Agalameia nodded and watched as he gently took the black jackal in his arms. She stood and followed.

"If I see any of you picking on another anyone else you'll have to answer to me" Mosi warned and taking the girl's hand, left.

"Thank you," Agalameia said quietly as they walked.

Mosi just nodded.

"You're welcome," said Manu. "I'll think he'll be alright. Just don't let him wander out again like that."

She nodded, smiling very lightly.

Zashia was worried and it showed as she wrung her hands together, pacing a bit. She had been calling for Agalameia for a while but she hadn't answered her calls. She tried her usual spots, asked her Sisters and Guardians but they had not seen her either. Isis, please let her be alright, she prayed.

Nathifa walked over to her. "Anything?"

Zashida shook her head, the fear evident on her face. "I can't find her. No one knows where she is!"

"Zashida!" Dalila called. "The entrance! Hurry!"

Both women took off towards the entrance to the temple, finding their other Sister with her Book Keeper along with Agalameia and a set of twin boys, the one with longer hair holding the little girl's pet jackal.

"Agalameia!"

"Mother!"

The priestess fairly ran down the steps and embraced her daughter tightly, thanking the gods for watching over her. "Where have you been? Everyone has been looking for you!"

"I'm sorry but I couldn't find Anubis. They helped me," the little girl said as she pointed to the two boys.

Zashida stepped towards them and bowed. "Thank you for bringing my daughter and her pet back and for taking care of her. Is there anyway I can repay you both for your kindness?"

"Food!" both boys answered quickly; Mosi grinned sheepishly and Manu blushed.

Zashida smiled at them. "Come, Mother Isis has given you her blessing or she would not have sent you here."

The brothers followed the women and sitting at a table, were given lots of food to eat. Mosi would have stuffed his face but Manu told him to be good. They were in a temple and they had to show respect to the people and gods.

Agalameia watched as Anubis was taken to get healed and sat with the boys. "Told you I lived in a temple," she said.

"I still don't believe Anubis is your father," Mosi said.

"He is!"

"Mosi, don't fight," Manu warned.

"She's starting it."

"I am not!"

Someone cleared their throat, catching the children's attention. They looked up at Dalila. "Keep your voices down, please."

"We're sorry," Agalameia looked away from the priestess. She didn't know why but Agalameia always became nervous around the Daughter of Osiris. Yet, it was only Dalila, never her Guardians or Peisimemne.

"Will you join us, Sister?" Zashida asked.

"I have already eaten," Dalila answered.

"Very well. Agalameia, I have told you not to leave the temple yet you disobeyed me. You should have come to me or one of the Guardians. After your new friends leave you will go to your room and read your scrolls."

"But I don't like reading scrolls," the little girl whined.

"And that will be your punishment for disobeying me. Understood?"

"Yes mother…"

The priestess gently smiled and tilted her daughter's face up. "I punish you because I care about you. Anubis be praised that you are alright."

Mosi looked away at the scene between mother and daughter, glancing over at his twin. Manu had his head down causing his hair to shield his face but from the way his shoulders were shaking, the elder twin knew that his brother was about to cry.

Not wanting to be embarrassed by Manu's emotions, Mosi knocked over the pitcher, splashing the water all over the table. "I'm sorry!" he apologized, trying to look terrified.

"It's alright. Why don't you go to the gardens while I clean this up," Zashida said as she stood.

"Follow me," Agalameia said and led them to the garden where exotic flowers bloomed. "I like to come here when I don't have to read scrolls."

Manu sniffed, rubbing at his eyes quickly. "It's really nice."

"Are you okay?" she asked softly.

"Don't mind him. He's just…" Mosi trailed off, biting his lip to keep himself from crying.

"Our parents are gone," said Manu.

Agalameia turned to Mosi.

"They died three moons ago," the elder twin explained. "Father owed payment to someone and he didn't have it at the time. He killed father right in front of us. Mother helped us escaped before she was killed, too."

"Oh... I'm sorry..."

"You didn't know."

"Where do you live then?"

"Anywhere we can," Mosi said.

Agalameia looked at them and on impulse she went tot hem and hugged them each in turn. "Whenever I feel sad, my mother or my sisters give me a hug. I wish I could help you two since you helped me."

"It's alright," said Manu. "We'll be fine. We can take care of each other."

"We've made it this far, haven't we?" Mosi grinned.

"If you ever need help you can always come here, just ask for me or my mother!" she smiled at them.

Manu shook his head. "But we couldn't-"

"Thanks!" Mosi smiled widely.

"Sadiki! Get back here!"

"Catch me if you can, Peisimemne!"

A young boy ran into the room, holding a small decorative wooden box in his hands as two girls and another boy-however shorter than the other-about the same age ran after him.

"Sadiki!" Theliane yelled as she gave chase.

The other girl and the short boy went around the table, opposite of Theliane.

"Give it back to Peisimemne," the short boy commanded.

"You don't give me orders, Hanif," Sadiki stuck his tongue out.

"Give it back or else I'm telling!" Theliane scowled.

"Finders keepers," he grinned.

Hanif ducked under the table and grabbed the boy's leg, refusing to let go. "I caught you now give Peisimemne her box back!" he grinned.

"Hey let go! I said get off!" Sadiki yelled, trying to drag the other boy off. He wasn't allowed to fight and he knew that everyone would be mad at him if he did hit the other boy but he held the box high over his head.

"What's going on?" Agalameia asked.

"Sadiki went into Peisimemne's room again," Hanif grunted as said intruder slowly dragged him across the floor. "And he took the box I gave to Peisimemne."

"Who are they?" Mosi asked.

"My Sisters, Theliane and Peisimemne," Agalameia pointed to each girl. "The one with the box is Sadiki, and the boy attached to his leg is Hanif."

"You forgot Khalfani," Sadiki reminded.

"Khalfani isn't here," said Theliane. "His grandmother is very ill and she wanted to see him before she enters the afterlife."

The brown-eyed girl seemed sadden but smiled and introduced the two new boys. "This is Manu and Mosi! They helped me find Anubis."

"Hi now Hanif let go before I fall!" Sadiki said.

"Give the box back and I will let go!" the other said and getting on his knees, pulled.

"Fine!" Sadiki, managing to balance on one leg, thrust the box to Peisimemne.

She clutched the box to her chest and Hanif released Sadiki's leg.

"And what is going on here?" Nathifa walked into the garden.

"Sadiki is being mean to me again," Peisimemne said, earning a glare from the culprit.

The Daughter of Ra looked at the boy. "Sadiki, what have you been told?"

"Not to go into any of the girls' rooms," he answered, head lowered slightly.

Hanif stuck his tongue out at him but quickly pulled it back in when Nathifa looked at him.

"Now please clam down and no more arguing. Alright?"

"We understand." The Daughter of Ra smiled and left them alone.

Mosi blinked and pointed after the woman. "Who's that?"

"My mother," Theliane said.

"I thought you said you were sisters," he asked of Agalameia.

"We are sisters."

"Do you have the same father?" Manu asked.

"No! Theliane's father is Ra, Peisimemne's father is Osiris, and my father is Anubis."

"Then you're all liars 'cuz the gods don't have any children! Except Osiris but he has two boys," Mosi frowned.

"I am not a liar and neither are my sisters. They are our fathers," the brunette said though she tried very hard not to yell at him.

"They are the Sisters of the Moon," Sadiki snapped at the twins.

Mosi and Manu stared at the three girls. "The Sisters of the Moon…?" Mosi asked.

"The descendants of the Daughter of Isis?" Manu gasped.

The brothers had heard the stories of Egypt's three highest priestesses in the marketplace, but they never would have believed that they would be inside the same temple the gods' Daughters lived in.

"I told you I wasn't lying."

"But why are you all here? Shouldn't you be in different temples?" Manu asked carefully.

"We were but our mothers brought us here four years ago," the blue-eyed girl explained. "We're suppose to learn how to call upon Mother Isis for help.

"And we're not allowed to leave the temple until then. That's why mother was worried," the brown eyed girl said.

Mosi looked down at the floor. What were the odds that they would run into the Daughter of a God? "We gotta go, Manu," he said a bit coldly.

Manu looked at his older twin. "But-"

"Now!"

The younger flinched slightly yet nodded and followed the guard out of the temple.

Agalameia looked down at the table.

"Are you alright?" Hanif asked.

She nodded but walked out of the room. She passed the statue of the Mother Goddess, moved into the corridor of the chambers and saw one of her mother's Guardians in his room. He was reading something and Anubis was lying in his basket bed, sleeping. She just stood there, wondering if she should disturb him.

"Something you need, little one?" Asim asked as he looked at her from the scroll.

"How come people die?" she asked.

"It's a scale between life and death. Some must die so others may live. What brought this on?"

She told him what she had learned from the twin brothers and how she felt that it wasn't right that they lost both their parents and were alone. "I want to help them but I'm not allowed out of the temple."

Asim held out his arms and she hurried over to the Book Keeper to sit in his lap. "Sometimes you can only help so much. Outside the temple, many people must fend for themselves. The world can be a cruel place, Agalameia."

"It's not fair. How come we're here in the temple while Mosi and Manu have to live like rats in the marketplace? They're all alone."

"But they still have each other, and that's more than some people have. A lot more."

"I guess... I still don't think it's fair."

"Life is never fair, little one."

She looked at the scroll and read some of the lines but couldn't understand the rest. "What are you reading?"

"History before even I was born. There is an old saying 'those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it'," he answered.

"Oh. How's Anubis?"

He was used to her sudden change of topic and looked at the small pet. "He'll be fine and I'm sure he learned his lesson about not leaving the temple. Just like you." He smiled as he tickled her.

Agalameia laughed but she still felt sad about her new friends. "Thank you for listening, Asim." She kissed his cheek and slid off his lap.

"Be careful little one." He sighed softly to himself as she left. Hard to believe that the traitor could sire such a sweet child. May the gods watch over you and your sisters.

Manu yawned as he settled down on the tarp covering the loose straw meant for the animals. Sleeping inside a stable wasn't so bad; just as long no one caught the twins trespassing or else they would lose one of their hands or a foot.

For Mosi, it would most likely be his hand. Even at such a young age, the older boy was a rather sneaky child. Within a day, he was able to pickpocket several people-mainly the nobles and merchants-that Mosi and Manu wouldn't have to worry about eating for a few days.

"Mosi, why did you help that girl?" the younger twin asked.

"She wasn't doing anything wrong and she asked for our help," he said simply.

Do you think we're gonna see her again?"

"She's a Sister of the Moon, she and her sisters are above even the nobles."

"Oh."

"Maybe we will see her again… when we're older."

Manu smiled and curled up. "Night, Mosi."

Mosi smiled as he watched his brother drift to sleep. "Night Manu."

"Khalfani!" Agalameia cried happily, flinging her arms around his neck. Noting his lack of enthusiasm in his actions and his embrace, she stepped back and looked at her friend. "Your grandmother?" The boy nodded, a single tear escaping his eye.

Zashida placed her hand on his shoulder. "We'll have the preparations begin in the morning, Khalfani."

"Thank you," he whispered.

"Let's go to the gardens," the young girl said as she took his hand and led him to the gardens. They sat on one of the stone benches and she turned to him. "I'm sorry she's gone."

"I miss her so much... why did the gods have to call her?" he asked as he tried to keep the tears in.

"Asim says that it's a scale the gods gave us. Some must die so others may live." Reaching over she took his hand in her own, linking their fingers together.

He tried holding the tears back but it was no use. Silently they fell, one by one. He hated to show his tears but he trusted Agalameia and he needed the comfort. Facing her he held onto her as he continued to cry. The young girl held onto him as well, just being there for him. She didn't know the pain he was going through but she would be there for him.

"I'll always be there for you," she whispered to him.

Zashida watched the two children from the corridor. Khalfani, will you protect her for me after I am gone?

The tears didn't last long but when they did neither of them said a word. Agalameia smiled as she handed him something to dry his face with. "You okay?" she asked softly.

He nodded. "At least I got to see her before she passed on. Thanks," he returned the smile. Anubis came running into the gardens and jumped onto the bench. He nearly knocked the children over but began barking and licking their faces. The children laughed and petted him. "It's good to se you too, Anubis."

"You'll never be alone, Khalfani. And as long as you remember your grandmother, she'll never be gone," Agalameia said.

"You're right. Thanks for helping me remember that."

The young girl hugged him.

"Khalfani! Agalameia!" Zashida called. "Time for bed!"

"Coming!" both children answered.

Khafani picked us Anubis. "Good night, Agalameia."

"May Nephtys grant you pleasant dreams," she smiled, and they walked off to their rooms.

Authors' Notes:

Heikou: I wish I had a pet jackal.

Janime: You sure you don't want a pet Seto or bakura?

Heikou: I wish!

Janime: And that's pretty much how the girls meet and how the beginning of their childhood was like.

Heikou: It's kinda boring at first but wait until they grow up!

Janime: Yes, be in for a little time-jump in the next chapter.

Heikou: We're giving a warning this time seeing as how not a lot of readers caught the Epilogue of Arise From Darkness.

Janime: Even with the date at the top. Oh well.

Heikou: So how many years are we jumping this time?

Janime: Well the girls are 10... shall we make it about 5?

Heikou: That'll make the cast about 15 years old. Works for me.

Janime: No yelling at us about the age deal. Pharaoh Tutankhamun was married at the age of nine.

Heikou: NINE?

Janime: Nine, and his wife was thirteen.

Heikou: Wasn't she his half-sister?

Janime: Half-sister and also believed first cousin as well. They shared the same father and the theory is that their mothers were sisters. Queen Nefertiri was picked from a harem to be Ikhnaton wife, while her sister stayed in the harem.

Heikou: Oh yeah... D'uh they said that on the Discovery Channel!

Janime: Who says TV rots the brain?

Heikou: If anything it helps the brain!

Janime: If you're still with us then don't worry, the next chapter should be up sooner or later.

Heikou: Hopefully sooner.

Janime: We now return you to your regularly scheduled fanfics.

Heikou: Ta-ta!