Angel: Hello, my loyal reviewers!
Y.Ang: Oh, look, she lied. Not a quick update. Who'd have thought? -.-
Angel: Shut up. I did my best. And I am so sorry I took so long to update!
Y.Ang: Well, looks like they'll get you back sooner or later.
Angel: (trying not to think about that) Anyway, I wanted to again thank you all for your support. You have no idea how special I felt when I looked at my emails and had review alerts on the first day after updating. You guys made my day! Thanks! (gets interrupted)
Yami: (has read Kendoro-majin514's review, but not the reply, and is in shock) You killed Crystal?
Y.Ang: Where were you last chapter?
Yami: Here, but I thought you just hurt her! Not killed her!
Angel: (laughs nervously) Well, about that...it was a misunderstanding?
Yami: (death-glares)
Crystal: (coughs) Ahem. I'm fine.
'Clan of Anubis' Leader: (appears) But you had a freakin' hole in your stomach from a POISONED arrow! Didn't that stupid thief kill you?
Crystal: (raises eyebrow) Umm...no. Now, who are you, and why the hell are you here?
Leader: (laughs nervously) Uhhh...I just remembered...I promised my sister I'd visit her. I must go! (leaves rather quickly)
Yami: But wait a minute? Wasn't Crystal dead?
Angel: No.
Yami: But last chapter...
Angel: I sorta made it look like she was dead. I guess some people thought she really was. Don't worry; she lived to fight another day.
Crystal: (sarcastically) Whoopee.
Yami: (look immensely relieved)
Angel: See? He does care about you!
Yami and Crystal: (both cough and blush)
Angel: (grins) And now, on with the next chapter!
'Italics' stands for mind speech
Italics in paragraphs stands for flashbacks, or memories.
"word" stands for normal speech
Lonely Heart In Egypt
Chapter 14: Healing
Yami stared in horror, unable to believe that Crystal was in such a state. He swallowed desperately, praying that she would be okay.
Starlight apparently felt the same way. She reared up in panic, terribly distressed at seeing her beloved mistress in such a state. In order to distract himself from his thoughts, Yami went to try and calm poor Starlight.
When Starlight had reared up, Crystal's supplies (in a magical pocket of space in the form of a saddlebag), had fallen off. Mana quickly grabbed it, and after rummaging around a bit, she found Crystal's box of bandages and ointments. Mana then opened it, pulling out a few things.
"Place pressure with the bandage as soon as I pull the arrow out, ok Mahaado?"
Mahaado, who had come over to help, did as he was asked. Starlight started showing signs of panic again, and Yami began to rub her nose. He also started talking to her soothingly, as much to calm her as to calm himself.
"Hey, Starlight…calm down girl…easy girl…shh…"
He and Starlight then looked on worriedly. After some time, Mana turned around.
"Yami, could you please attach Starlight to our carriage? She can be the 4th horse we need."
Yami looked surprised at the request, but nodded, "I'll do that if Starlight feels up to cantering for a while."
Starlight snorted, and spoke to Mana. 'Of course I feel up to it. Stupid Pharaoh.'
Mana laughed gently, and walked over to them. "You'll never change," she said affectionately.
Yami still looked worried, "Is Crystal alright?"
Mana nodded. "She'll be out of it for at least another 4 hours. After inspecting the arrow, we discovered that it was poisoned with some type of magical spell. We managed to neutralise its effects, but Crystal will most likely have amnesia when she wakes up. Other than that, when she wakes up she'll be fine. We should still get her back to the palace as soon as possible though."
Yami nodded, "Well, do you want to attach Starlight to the carriage, and I'll get Crystal? I think Starlight trusts you more."
Mana shrugged. "I suppose. Come on, girl."
As Mana set Starlight up, Yami walked over to Mahaado, who was just finishing packing up the medical supplies, and who was about to pick up Crystal. Yami noticed that Mahaado looked rather tired.
"Mahaado? If you want to just put that stuff in the coach, I'll get her."
Mahaado nodded gratefully, "Thanks."
Yami then knelt down, gently lifted Crystal. He was surprised at how light she was, but decided not to comment. With some assistance from Mana, he was successfully able to get Crystal inside. They rode home silently, as both Mahaado and Yami fell asleep.
Mana smiled as she watched the young royals. They looked so cute together. Crystal was 'sitting' on Yami's lap, and her head was resting on his shoulder. Yami's head rested on hers, and he still had his arms wrapped protectively around her. Crystal's arms were wrapped around Yami's neck.
Still smiling, Mana also started to doze.
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Rames scowled as he hurried along the corridor to his chambers. He was still angry, and the things that normally cheered him up hadn't worked. This means that he had already yelled at/threatened the mages and builders, and he'd also sent his secretary to the Shadow realm for a few hours. The girl had been considerably distressed, and barely alive afterwards, as well as even more terrified of her boss. As the girl was nearly too terrified to work, Rames had...dismissed her.
Anyway, still scowling, Rames stepped onto his chambers to see his young servant already there. The woman smiled. "Did you have a nice day today?" she asked sarcastically.
Rames pulled off his cloak, "Hardly, you stupid woman. Now, shut up Clarita."
The woman just grinned, "If you request it, my lord."
He turned around to glare at her. The former princess of Nara had come to Rames as an ally to get revenge on another woman.
Most people would have just called Clarita another pretty face, but if you looked close enough, you could see she was very dangerous and extremely spiteful. Her green eyes were cold and calculating, and her hair was as black as her heart, which is to say very black.
Then again, pretty, black-hearted bitches seemed to appeal a lot to Rames. He sighed as he sat on the bed, "Well, what news?"
Clarita looked at the documents in her hand, but also sighed and moved to sit behind him as he said this. Placing the papers down besides her, she began to massage his shoulders.
"Well?"
She shifted uncomfortably, "Bad news, I'm afraid. The bandits failed to kill, or even capture Princess Crystal. The archer managed to get a shot at her, but he failed to inflict a killing wound. The arrow was poisoned, but her magic would have been able to neutralise it"
Rames felt furious. "Well, if the idiots failed in the task of killing a single woman, they don't deserve to live."
Clarita laughed cruelly. "Of course. Crystal took care of 10 of them, but the thief escaped before we could kill him. We've had that problem with him before. He did say that Crystal was not alone in the fight though. Apparently the Pharaoh went after her."
Rames was intrigued. "The Pharaoh? Why would he go after her? Once she left his palace, he no longer had to protect her."
Clarita sighed, "Men are such idiots. He went after her because he loves her."
Rames grinned. "Oh, does he now?" 'This could definitely work to my advantage,'
Clarita scowled, "Of course he does! Why do you think I hate the princess so? Anyway, I don't see why all you men desire her. She's nothing but a snobby sorceress who steals husbands."
Rames chuckled. "She's more than that, my dear. She is also very beautiful, and besides she didn't steal your husband. The Pharaoh broke off your marriage before he even knew her."
Clarita scowled, "I don't care. It's still her fault. The Pharaoh refused after what she did to my family. The bitch got my parents killed, and she must die no matter what. She and her pathetic father got my father and mother executed, and denied me my birthright as Queen."
Rames smirked, "Don't worry, she will be killed, or become mine, and then you can kill her. Either way, she dies. Besides, that got us to meet."
Clarita was still scowling, "I don't find that so wonderful at the moment."
Rames smiled wickedly. "Let me change your mind," he said, grabbing her shoulders roughly. He then kissed her, and pushed her onto her back.
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Crystal opened her eyes slowly. Her head hurt a lot, but she still sat up. She was confused, and didn't know where she was. The last thing that she remembered was a sharp pain in her stomach. She noticed that now it looked a lot darker outside than the last time she remembered.
The next thing she noticed was Mana, who was siting at the end of the bed. Mana smiled gratefully, turned to the door, and shouted to the servant outside.
Crystal recoiled as the sound vibrated through her head. "Mana, don't do that!" she said groggily.
Mana just smiled, "Sorry, but he wanted to know as soon as you woke up."
Crystal put one hand to her head, "Who?"
To answer the question, the door banged open, causing Crystal to wince again, shutting her eyes. She rubbed her forehead, and felt someone's weight as they sat next to her.
A deep voice, filled with concern, asked her. "Crystal, are you feeling better?"
She opened her eyes blearily, turning to face the speaker "Yami?"
Yami nodded, "Hello. How do you feel?" he asked, sounding almost anxious.
She sighed, "Like I've just been run over by a carriage, or been drinking all night. My head hurts."
Yami smiled gently, "Well, you did hit the ground pretty hard."
Crystal raised an eyebrow questioningly. "I suppose I did," she muttered.
Yami didn't notice her questioning look, and continued, "Well, it's good you're awake. I was worried."
Crystal blushed, and turned her body to face him directly, as it hurt her head less. Pain shot through her stomach, causing her to cry out in pain.
Yami's face changed instantly into a look of deep concern. "What is it?"
Crystal's hand went to her stomach, "What happened to me?"
Yami opened his mouth to answer, but Mana interrupted, "You were in the gardens when you were attacked. You fell over backwards, hitting your head on the fountain. An arrow had hit you in the stomach. I believe the fall gave you amnesia. You're lucky it wasn't a concussion."
Yami frowned at hearing this turn of events, but Mana just gave him an 'I'll explain later' look, and he fell silent. Fortunately, Crystal noticed nothing.
"Well, how long have I been unconscious?"
Mana smiled, "About 5 hours, I'd say, give or take."
Crystal nodded, then immediately wished she hadn't. "Oww."
Mana sighed, and shook her head. "You just need rest. Come on Yami," she said as she began to drag the Pharaoh out of the room.
"Hey! But I just got here and..."
Crystal giggled as Mana pulled the protesting Pharaoh out of the room. Still smiling, she lay back down on her warm, comfy bed, falling asleep almost straight away.
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"Ahem. You can stop dragging me now."
Mana sighed, and released the Pharaoh's arm, "I know."
Yami rubbed his arm, a rather sour expression on his face, "Well, why…?"
"Because I needed to talk to you," she interrupted.
"About what?"
"Crystal."
Yami looked alarmed at the look on Mana's face, "Why? What's happened? What's wrong?"
She shook her head, "Nothing physical. It's more of a mental and emotional problem."
Yami lowered his eyes. "My confession?"
Mana nodded. She looked tired, "Sort of. It involves that, in a way."
Yami was looking frustrated. "A straight answer would be nice."
Mana sighed, "As you can probably tell, she has amnesia. As far as I can tell by gently probing her mind, she doesn't remember anything about today."
Yami looked determined. "Well, I'll just have to tell her again, won't I?"
Mana shook her head, and held him back, "No."
"Why not?"
"She was hurt enough last time. I won't let her be put through that again."
Yami looked stung, "She was hurt? I was the one that had their heart-broken!"
"True. But so did she. In telling her of your feelings, you are tearing her in two. She does care for you, but because of her obligation to Rames, she won't let herself love you. So in breaking your heart, she broke hers."
Yami stiffened, "What? But..."
Mana sighed. "Yes, that's mostly true. She was telling me about it afterwards."
The two stood in silence for a time, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Yami spoke up, "Is there anyway to stop her wedding? If it hurts her so much, she shouldn't have to go through such a thing."
Mana looked sad, "Sadly, no. Not only is her father royalty, but he is also her father. He has every right to arrange a marriage for his daughter. Once it's happened, nothing can change it, except the future husband or his family. I doubt Rames would change his mind, though."
"So can no one override Isaac's decision?"
Mana frowned, "As far as I'm aware, other than the fiancée's family, only Isaac's superior could, and really only with Isaac's permission."
"Well, in that case, I can make things easier for her."
"How?"
Yami's face was grim, "I'm going to see her father, and make him see the damage he's done!"
Mana looked slightly surprised, but then her eyes turned mischievous again, "You have other things to ask her father too, don't you?"
Yami's face flushed, and he lowered his eyes. "Well, it's more polite to ask…" he mumbled.
As Mana's grin widened, Yami turned to leave. Alarm crossed her face, "You're not leaving now! It's almost sundown!"
Yami turned, looking determined, "Why not? The sooner the better."
She bit her lip, "I suppose. But what should I tell Crystal?"
Yami stopped, "I'm not sure. You'll think of something."
"I'll say that you had to go somewhere on urgent business. Crystal won't like it, but she'll understand."
"Thank you, Mana. Take care of her for me."
"You're welcome. And why wouldn't I?"
Yami chuckled, "Point taken. Well, goodbye."
Mana smiled, "Goodbye, and good luck, my Pharaoh."
He smiled, nodded his head and left.
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Yami: Oh goody! Is the next chapter the one where I...
Y.Ang: Shut up! You know if you say anything, Angel will kill you when she gets back.
Yami: (gulps)
Angel: (returns) Hello! I've done my Christmas shopping!
Y.Ang: A little early, don't you think?
Angel: I suppose, but who cares? I had to do something to celebrate the end of school this year.
Yami: But you're going shopping tomorrow! Why would you go shopping today as well?
Crystal: (walks past with shopping bags) Yami, if you're going to ask stupid questions like that, it's obvious you'll never understand women. Let's go girls!
Angel and Y.Ang: YAY! (leave)
Yami: Hey! Don't leave me here alone! (sweatdrops) Umm...ok. I don't think Angel wanted to say anything else, but in case she is really lazy, as usual, and doesn't get around to updating again before Christmas, here's a message for you all. Kaiba, would you do the honours?
Kaiba: (glares) Fine. Merry Christmas to all.
Tea: That's not how you do it! You supposed to say: MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY:D :D :D
Mai: Hey! How did you come back to life? We fried you! (girls get into anime dust-cloud fight)
Yami: ...Ok. Oh yeah, one last note: Angel would like to profusely apologise for the bad time continuum – she has a slight problem with that in roleplays too. Now, please review! At least 5 before Angel updates!
C YA! Angel