Chapter 3

As my grandma and I head home, I can't help but to reflect on the information I had received today. Not just becoming an intern for a museum in Japan but I would actually be moving back to Domino. That by itself was a stunning revelation. Now I also had more information on my mysterious birthday gift.

After I had been given the wonderful news, it was moments later that I was reminded of the reason we came to the museum in the first place. As I reached into my bag to hand the professor the small chest, I couldn't help but to wonder at the mysteries it held. I held it out to him and he took it from my hands gently to examine it more closely.

" I just got this today as a birthday gifts." I start to explain, " Grandma told me that my mother and father had found it before I was born but have been unable to find out much about it themselves. It seems to be locked and may need a key or something. It appears to say something on the top but I am not practiced enough to decipher the words I can't make out the words." I admit softly.

He let out a soft him as he continued to study the box. His attention was focused on the top as he examined it. I was starting to grow fidgety at his silence and my impatience was starting to grow.

"Well? Can you read it?" I asked impatiently.

" Don't be so rude Shiko. Give him sometime to look it over." My grandmother admonished. I looked at her sheepishly. I did not intend to be rude so I quickly apologized, " I'm sorry." I say to both of them as I scuff my toe on the ground in embarrassment.. The professor chuckled at my enthusiasm as he replied to my apology.

" That's quite all right my dear." He reassures me. " I would be just as excited and enthusiastic for answers if I were in your shoes.. It is quite a find. It looks like a treasure that once belonged to royalty or someone close to royalty. Even more amazing than just that though is what the words on top say. It sounds like a prophecy or something." He informs me.

My eyes go wide at the information. What could be so important inside this box that would Warrent a prophecy. " Can you tell me more. Anything. What does the prophecy say!" He smiled at me with similar excitement showing on his face.

"From what I can make out, it says something like this: Only she who is destined, who possesses the Heart and The Soul, will also posses The Name that is The Key." He reads then says, "After that in is almost like a guide. The images that are on the sides are to show you what to do. And they say to open your mind and heart to the spirit while placing your hands on the symbols on each side." He finished explaining the box. He then starts to explain how he got to the conclusion as he starts to point to the symbols..

" You see here" he says as he points to the left side and to one of the symbols. " This symbol here means the (Ib) or heart as we know it, while the right side," he then points to the opposite side and to a different symbol, " has the symbol for the (ka) which means life force." He finishes.

I think for a moment as I repeat the words ib and ka in my mind. It takes only a second to remember what I had read about those words. " Oh I think I get what it is trying g to explain. It's almost like the box was designed to be a test for the different parts of the soul. I remember reading that the ancients believed that the souls as we know it was made up of 5 different parts." I start to speak without thinking, the excitement of understanding having taken over. I had done my own research in the past and was overcome at the chance to share what I know.

" The 'ren' was the Name, the 'ba' was the personality, the 'ka' was the life force, the 'ib' was the heart and the last part was the 'Sheut' or shadow. The shadow was almost like the darkness of a person. Their darker self." I finished my explaination with pride in my voice.

" Very good, Shiko. You know a lot more than I had thought you would. It really does show your passion for Egypt and a deep understanding of their beliefs I can see it on your face, I. Your eyes as you share your knowledge. I'm very impressed. And of course you would be correct. It would seem like a test for whomever want to try to posses the item within. You and I both know how they had believed in magic and spells. Unfortunately I can only guess at what that item may be and of how important it is." He concludes.

" Oh thank you Professor Hawkins." I exclaim as I run to hug him in my excitement. I'm happy just to have a little more insight on the mysterious treasure.He blushes slightly at my sudden onslaught as he pats me on my head. I pull away with a blush of embarrassment at my forwardness and apologize quickly and thank him profusely for his help.

" Your very welcome. I wish I could do more to help you out . I have faith that you will solve the mystery. If you need anything don't hesitate to ask.." he says. My grandma speaks next.

" I believe she will solve it as well. My Shiko is a very smart girl and is also very determined." I had almost forgotten she was with me for a moment, having been so caught up in the information. " It is starting to get late. Perhaps we should be heading home soon." She adds a moment later as she looks at me, " your father and sisters should be home.soon and we still have a birthday to celebrate. She says. " You are welcome to join us this evening if you would like, Arthur." She offers.

" Your right, of course, Marie. It is getting late. I appreciate the offer and would love to join you but I still have much work to do here, tonight. I must decline. Plus I'm sure my grand daughter will be home soon as well.." he then turns to me. "Happy Birthday, Shiko. I will see you next Saturday. I will call before then to let you know our departure time and make transportation arrangements. Until then, I hope your week goes well. " He shook my hand and then my grandmas before turning and walking away. We followed shortly after.

We arrived home after the short commute and the rest of the evening flew by in a blur. My dad and sisters we both home when we arrived and had set up a small surprise birthday party for me. We had ordered pizza, played some games and had cake and ice cream before finally opening my gifts. My dad had gotten me some new luggage for my trip having expected my choice. My sisters had been informed as well and Kohaku picked me out a new outfit complete with new boots. She said it was to give me a new look for my new start. My other sister, Yuki, Had gotten me a large collection of Duel Monsters cards, explaining that it was something she had seen advertised not long ago when there was a tournament held.. I guess she figured it was something I could do to pass the time and I must admit that the concept had me intrigued to try out soon..

After the gifts, I had excused myself to my room. It had been a long and eventful day. As I finished getting ready for bed, I sat down at my desk and took out my treasure box. I hadn't been able to stop thinking about it all night and the words the professor had said we're still circling in my head. He had mentioned a key and did he say I had to use my life force? How do you do that? And what does it mean about opening your heart to the spirit? Does it mean just to be open minded to it? And I know he mentioned something about a name. What name?

The questions roll in my head as I try to fit the pieces of this puzzle together. ' I suppose it would make sense to hold the box and focus, line meditation. It also would make sense the if it's a test for anyone who wants to open the box, that they would then of course use their own name.

That seems to make the most sense. I just don't get how it would work. How would it know. I guess that is where having faith comes in.' I think to myself. I shrugged then. ' what the heck,' I think to myself, ' what have I got to lose anyway by trying.' I then pick up the box and place my left palm flat against the left side of the box and do the same on the right. As I focused on the box that now rested between my palms I feel it start to warm slightly. I open my eyes which I had not noticed closing and look in awe. It must be working cause the box was glowing. I was In shock and I was confused. ' now what do I do?' I wonder. As I thought this I heard a voice float threw my mind, " say the name." It whispered.

' name? What name.' as if I. Response to my stray thought the voice echoed again. ' the name of the destined... Say your name.' the voice faded.

' My name. ' I think in bemusement. ' Right. My name.' I remember the reasoning from earlier and brace myself for anything as I speak aloud my given name.

'Nadeshiko' I say with force and determination.

The last thing I remember was hearing a click. Then my world went dark.

I'm not sure how much time had passed but it was dark when I awoke. I couldn't see a thing in the intense darkness that surrounded me. I tried to determine where I was but the more I looked around, the more I began to feel as if I wasn't alone.

It was unnerving to be lost in such a dark place as it was but now I had company and I had no idea who or what was with me. I was beginning to feel panic set in when I heard a voice that sounded vaguely familiar.

"Calm down, Shiko." The delicate voice whispered. It was familiar, but I couldn't place where I had heard it before."I am not here to bring you harm." It continued.

" Where am i? " I asked into the darkness. " Who are you? Where are you hiding" I call out to the voice.

"We are currently In your mind Shiko. You fell unconcious after your trial. Your life force must be what has awakened me. " The voice explained.

" Trial? What trial?" I ask confused and panicked. 'This whole thing is just a dream' I think to myself.

"Calm down. Panicking will not help. I'm just as lost and confused as you are. I don't know how I am in someone's mind or how much time has truly passed. I don't know what happened to me." The voice explains. "We can talk and explain things later when you wake. That is of course if you decide to out it on. My strength is failing and I'm afraid it is your life force that sustains me. For now you should rest to regian what you have given." The voice faded into the darkness leaving me with more questions than answers as the darkness settled into a dreamless sleep.

Authors Note: These first three chapter were originally written as one but for the purpose of more freequent updates they were slightly modified to end sooner. I hope my Shiko is starting to grow on you and do not worry soon our favorite characters will start to make their appearance. But first we must travel there and Shiko still needs to get answers on the strange new occurances in her life. As always reviews are welcome.

Chao for now