Star Crossed Lovers
Chapter 6 Boredom and DutiesWho would have thought that being just another regular human woman could be so unbearably boring? All they want to do is eat, shop, gossip, and look for men; or if they already have one, find numerous different ways to make them happy, or complain about what they have or haven't done. No goals in life outside of family, friends, money, and husbands. It was all so trivial.
Though I guess when you and your two brothers have spent your entire lives training and being taught in the proper ways to care for the pharaoh and for his return, modern life can seem a bit boring. Though, in her adulthood, it wasn't her whole life. She helped manage ancient Egyptian artifacts and the various museums they went to for their exhibits. She has acted as an ambassador for numerous events to help expand the people's knowledge of Egyptian culture and history. She did normal things, but she was never normal; and she liked it that way. It always set her apart from everyone else.
Some of the people in her past have questioned why she would dedicate her life to something like this. Because of her upbringing, her brother temporarily lost his sanity, her adoptive brother almost died, and both her parents are dead. However, no matter how much drama it caused to both her and her family, she couldn't imagine living her life any other way. It was through her tomb keeper duties and the other duties and privileges it brought her that she felt she was making a difference.
Even after the final duel between the Pharaoh and his partner, Yugi Moto a little over a year ago, she was, for awhile, happy that her duties were over; however, that happiness soon left when reality set in and she began to feel an emptiness in her life.
Now her life wasn't in complete boredom. She still kept up with her ambassador duties and dealings with museums, but some part of her felt incomplete. There was times when her hands would unconsciously wonder up to her collarbone where the Millennium Necklace used to rest and sigh. She remembered that whenever she wore that necklace, she felt complete; like she had found the other piece of her soul as long as the necklace remained with her. Even after she gave it to the Pharaoh, she immediately missed its presence. She knew she had to do it, but dreaded it all the same. Knowing now that it was forever lost, well, it brought tears to her eyes at times.
Now it seems she just wondered day to day getting her job done. She never used to call it that. She used to love everything she did; but now, it seemed like a chore. She would put on a happy face to avoid suspicion, but her brother knew her too well. He knew something was up, but he also knew she wouldn't talk about it.
Days like today were just the same. She awoke in her new apartment in the city of Cairo. With the money she had earned over the last few years, she could afford the spacious apartment for herself and her brothers. They felt it was best to leave their childhood home, finding nothing but bad memories in its walls. Her brother became an historian, working with authors and directors making documentaries to help them with accurate facts on their countries ancient roots, while also loaning out artifacts to be used for reference. Odion joined him as his assistant and a member of his security; keeping his appointments in order while protecting both Marik and the artifacts.
They added a special security measure to the Pharaoh's tomb, so as to prevent any grave robbers. Marik had insisted it was no longer their responsibility, but Ishizu made it clear that just because the Pharaoh had moved on, doesn't mean they should just leave his tomb open to be ransacked and disgraced. Marik eventually gave in.
Today was her day to check on the tomb to make sure the security measures kept in place. Afterwards she would head to the International Affairs office and resume her duties. As she drove outside of town and to the tomb's location, something in her shifted; like a pain she didn't even realize she had was being lifted. She began feeling better than she had in the year and a half she had been separated from the Millennium Necklace. She felt herself driving faster and faster, going at least 10-15 miles over the speed limit. An excitement brewed in her that she hadn't felt before at the impossibility that something she had lost would be there. The large chance that it wasn't never occurred to her. Rationality never occurred to her in those few out of character moments.
The wheels of her jeep whined as they came to a screeching halt outside of the tomb. She stopped and looked at the tomb in horror. The extra security that they put in to notify them when it had been broken into didn't work because the door had been busted into, by dynamite it looked like. She quickly ran inside, unafraid of the very possible real danger she was getting herself into.
Growing up wandering throughout the tomb, she knew every corner, every trap and could walk through it blindfolded. Soon she could hear voices, some angry some scared, the more she ran; and the more she ran the louder they became. It wasn't long before she found a recently deceased body and, even though his intentions were impure, did a little prayer for him before moving on. The corridor that led to the maze part of the tomb soon came up in front of her and she knew that was where the grave robbers were. She hid behind a pillar and listened, waiting for an opportunity to do something. She didn't know what, but something.
"This isn't worth it man! We've already lost Iabi to this accursed place. I don't want to be next!"
"Then leave fool! I've waited this long and I'm not going back until I have all of this tomb's treasure."
"Well how the hell do we get across? You know they say this place is the worst for hidden traps. Only one person has ever made it out but he was still shot beforehand!"
"Well all this stuff is ancient right? More than three thousand years ago? By now this stuff has probably rusted and will be easy to break with our guns."
Ishizu almost wanted to laugh at the man's foolishness. Did he honestly think shooting the statues would work? She stole a peek to look at their faces but shock kept her there. Something was different about the tomb's treasure at the end of the room; a statue now stood that resembled the ancient goddess Isis. Her body and stance faces towards the entrance to the room.
Suddenly Ishizu felt a pull; a magical pull coming from the statue. Looking up at it in confusion, her shock only intensified when she looked at the goddess' neck. There around it in all of its glory was the Millennium Necklace. She thought it had been lost during the final duel ceremony, but there it hung, glowing in all of its radiance. Ishizu now understood where the pull that increased her desire to come here today came from. She knew she had to get it back, and she couldn't wait for the off chance that these robbers would somehow magically figure out the puzzle to get across. She thought to herself for a moment before formulating a plan.
'It's risky,' she thought. 'But if I want to get to the Millennium Necklace, I must.'
She formed her courage and stepped into the room. The robbers didn't take notice of her presence at first.
"Who are you and how dare you defile this sacred place?" she said in mocked surprise and disgust.
The men turned to her in surprise.
"Who the hell are you?" one of the asked. She recognized his voice as the leader of the group.
"I am a tomb keeper who helps guard these tombs and knows them like no other. Leave now before the gods themselves come and strike you down!"
She knew she had to bait them into letting her go ahead of them to retrieve the necklace. If she told them that she knew it like the back of her hand, they might fall for her bait and make her go first.
The three men looked at each other before looking at her with sadistic grins.
"Like no other huh? Care to prove that claim?"
'Excellent! They fell for it; now to ensure that they let me across and that they don't follow.'
"Of course. After the last 'explorer' beat the Pharaoh's riddle, the path across was deemed unbeatable by all except those who guard it."
"And you're one of them?"
'Act scared now; act like you've said too much and try to leave.'
"Yes," Ishizu's voice went to a fake whimper as she acted like a frightened girl who had said too much. She fake attempted to make an escape but, to no surprise, she felt a hand tug at her wrist and pull her back.
"Well then Miss Tomb Keeper, perhaps you can help us by getting across and retrieving the treasure for us—"
"Never will I betray my Pharaoh in such a way!" she gasped in mock horror.
"You WILL, or you will die here. We will throw you into the darkness and no one will ever find your body."
She pretended to be afraid of his words before hanging her defeat to try and look defeated. Her plan worked perfectly. She would get across, retrieve the necklace, and send these defilers to the shadows.
"Very well," she said in an attempt to sound conceded. "I will do as you ask."
The leader grinned in his perceived victory.
"Good, now get going," he said shoving her towards the beginning of the puzzle.
She caught herself before falling and proceeded through the maze with no trouble at all. Truth was... they still could have followed her if they walked with their left foot forward at all times. To walk this way was a sign of respect to the Pharaoh and gods. To walk with the right foot was a sign of disrespect.
It wasn't long till she reached the end and her sight focused on the Millennium Necklace. It was only a few steps away. It didn't seem to matter to them when that was the first item she went for; as long as it was valuable, she could have picked up a golden toilet seat and they wouldn't have cared. She stepped before the statue and reached behind its neck and unhooked the necklace. Taking it in both hands she took it off and was welcomed by a familiar aura of magic. It whirled around her; weaving and merging into her own aura. For once in a long time, she felt whole.
Suddenly everything around her went black. She was no longer in the tomb, no grave robbers around her. Nothing but pitch black darkness.
"Your resolve is one to be admired," a gentle voiced called out to her.
She turned around quickly and was met with an identical version of herself; dressed in the finest of silks and gold.
"You are me?" Ishizu asked in confusion.
The twin gave her a fond smile before shaking her head.
"No, you are me; my reincarnation. I am Isis; former head priestess to the Pharaoh Atem, whose tomb you and your family have spent generations guarding wonderfully. We couldn't ask for a better family."
Ishizu gave a slight nod in understanding before bowing to her past self.
"My lady…I've heard stories of your great magical feats. It is an honor to know that I am the reincarnation of someone so powerful."
"No Ishizu Ishtar, that right belongs to me. For having someone like you attempt to risk it all just to retrieve the necklace and protect the Pharaoh's tomb be my reincarnation is the honor."
"If you don't mind me asking Lady Isis, not that I am ungrateful, but why have the items returned to the living world? I thought they were sealed away after the final duel ceremony between the Pharaoh and his partner."
The young priestess's face turned serious as she regarded her.
"They were supposed to however an evil has caught the attention of the gods and a powerful priestess with powers just below the gods. It is through her power that I am here speaking to you now. This evil though had once existed in the world of the living and was thought to have been extinguished. That proved to be false when a servant of the afterlife sensed its presence and alerted the royalty of heaven. Because of this evil, all Millennium items have been brought back and, with the exception of the great Pharaoh Atem, you and Seto Kaiba, reincarnation of Priest Set, have been giving new wielders with stronger spiritual and/or combat experience."
"Kaiba received and item as well?" Ishizu was astonished. Kaiba hated the thought of being involved in any type of magic. She knew from experience that it would take near a miracle to get him to agree to help.
Isis seemed to sense her anxiety and chuckled.
"Don't worry. Set has assured us that Seto Kaiba will agree to assist us in the upcoming battle."
"Wait, you said the Pharaoh as well? I thought he was laid to rest?" While it made sense that three of the Millennium items were giving to those with experience, she felt sadness and pity that the Pharaoh was once again denied his peace.
However Isis did nothing to mirror her expression; instead smiling a fond smile.
"Actually this is more of a good thing. Our Pharaoh has gone back to the world of the living to be with his true love."
Ishizu was shocked once again at the statement. True love?
"I never recall reading of the Pharaoh being in love? Who is she?"
"Her name is Kagome Higurashi, and it's no wonder considering all memory of her was erased. She was not a member of our time and when her purpose was fulfilled, she and the Pharaoh had fallen in love. To spare him the pain of being without her, the gods simply erased her from his memory."
"Then how do you know of her?"
"The priestess that I spoke of earlier, Midoriko is her name, gave all of us our memories of her back. The only one who wasn't granted this was the Pharaoh."
"But why if she is his true love?" Ishizu asked appalled. Who was this 'Midoriko' to deny the Pharaoh the memories of his lover?
Isis's face held seriousness again.
"Because, to prove that it is indeed true love, she wants him to fall in love with her again; slowly restoring the memories of her the more in love with her he falls. Midoriko shared with us some of the things that young girl has gone through and we all agreed that she deserves someone who truly loves her. The Pharaoh simply needs to prove that again."
"Why would she doubt his love for her?"
"Because he is not the same as he was when they first met and fell in love. He has met others; others who may sway his focus. Midoriko wants to make sure that the Pharaoh loves Kagome because he wants to, not because his past makes him think he has to."
Suddenly Ishizu understood; Midoriko was right to keep his memories from him. He would think it his duty to remain with Kagome because of a love they shared. A thought occurred to her then.
"What if he doesn't fall back in love with her?" she asked in worry.
Isis stared at her for a moment before looking down; attempting to formulate the right way to answer her question in her mind.
"We must have faith that their love is strong enough. I, myself, have no doubt at all that it is. If you saw them back them, then you would share my feelings. However, in all honesty…I don't know what will happen."
The two were silent for a moment.
"Anyway…on another subject; Midoriko has asked Priest Set and I to inhabit the Millennium Rod and Necklace to help train you and the other wielders how to properly use the items or, in your case, use them to their fullest ability."
"What do you mean?"
"You have never used the Millennium Necklace in any other way than looking to the past or future. I will show you how to use it in the shadows. The first test will be to cleanse the Pharaoh's tomb of these defilers," Isis explained.
"And how will I do that in such a short amount of time?" Ishizu questioned.
"I will give you my memories. From the time I was born till right now. You will receive all my knowledge of the necklace and I will guide you in the proper way to use that knowledge to your advantage." Isis said grinning with anticipation.
Suddenly she reached out and grabbed Ishizu's hand before she could protest and BOOM! Hundreds upon thousands of images flooded through Ishizu's mind all at once; yet somehow she was able to process all she was seeing. Isis's childhood, her mother, father, and home. Her teen years spent training to harness her magically powers till the time she was tested by the Millennium Necklace. Her time serving as the head priestess and only female Millennium item holder. The death of Mahad. A pain went through Ishizu's chest at the sight of the man, the same pain that occurred when she saw Pharaoh Atem's Dark Magician the day of the final duel ceremony. Finally her time serving Pharaoh Set after the death of her beloved Pharaoh Atem. Fast forward to now.
When Ishizu reopened her eyes, she was back in the tomb. It was as if no time had passed and she wasn't truly that surprised. The Millennium could do so much, even time itself stood no chance.
"Hey woman! Are you just going to stand there or are you going to get the rest of the treasure? I'll kill you if you don't' hurry up! And take that necklace off; it belongs to us now!"
She had almost forgotten the leader's voice but snapped out of her thoughts to look at him before glaring. Now she had to power she hadn't before; the power to protect her Pharaoh's tomb from all those with impure hearts.
"No!" she called out to them. Her voice was slightly different than before. It was as if there were two voices coming out of her mouth instead of just one. For that moment, she and Isis spoke and moved as one; and these men will suffer the consequences of their actions.
The robbers stepped back at her voice. Something was different, off in her voice. It sent a chill down their spines and they made a move to run.
"No you will not leave! You will pay for the crimes against this ancient Pharaoh by a game of shadows!"
Blackness filled them men's vision. Suddenly treasure, the largest they had ever seen, as far as the eye can see appeared before them.
'And it's all mine,' each men thought separately before looking to the others in suspicion.
'They wish to deny me my treasure….wish to kill me and claim it for themselves. Will that won't happen. I'LL KILL THEM FIRST!' again with the three men thinking the same thing they all charged toward one another, daggers out, in a fight to the death.
Ishizu merely stepped past them on her way to the exit.
'These men's greed has gotten the best of them. They will forever be trapped in this vision until one is graced with the mercy of death.'
'Where to now?' Ishizu thought to Isis.
"Now," she said through their mind link; "we go to Japan to lend our Pharaoh our help with his love, as well as lend our comrades the help they need. We must all stand together for the upcoming battle."
Ishizu nodded in agreement before heading out the exit and out of the tomb; her destiny and destination clear to her.
I totally did not expect this chapter to be that long lmao. Man they are getting longer and longer lol. But that is all for this weekend; next weekend I'll try to update with another two chapters and Kagome and the others are coming back next chapter with the introduction of some new characters! Woohoo lol. Atem should be making an appearance either in the end of the next chapter or the beginning of the one after.
Also, wanted to give you all a heads up! There will be two stories for this plot; one will be centered on Kagome and Atem and their relationship, and the next one will be the battle that I have been alluding to sense the beginning. KK? Awesome! Hopefully you guys are still with me at that point lol.
Another thing, thank you all so much for the great reviews and to those who have made it one of your favorite stories. You have no idea what an ego boost that is =D. I really appreciate it so keep them coming!
Finally, I have found a person for the ring. Won't tell you who so it can be a surprise but hopefully you guys like my choice . To 3258KsLuvr4evr who brought up Jinenji, he was totally my first choice lol. I honestly didn't think I would have been that good just because he is pretty much online in one or two episodes in the Inuyasha thing you know? I wanted someone who played a more integral part of the storyline but I found my guy so it's all good!