Author's Note: WAAAAH! SO MUCH DISTRESS! PLEASE DON'T BE MAD AT ME! Atem was supposed to wake up last chapter but he's a lazy fuck who kept hitting the snooze button (his zeal for sleep is legendary). But fret not my readers, for now is the time and he will brave a new world! :) Hopefully he'll learn his lesson. Let's find out how he copes, shall we? I worked very hard on this chapter, editing and re-editing and even having a small mental breakdown in the process. And as life usually does, I had big stuff happen and lost my car in a flood, planned a bachelorette party, spent all my cruise money fixing the car AND helped last minute wedding preparations.. -_-. Not the best scenario for inspiration. But alas! Life stops for no one and we must push on! A thousand "I'm Sorry"'s for making you all wait so long, I promise to try and do better in the future. Don't give up on me, this story arc is still going strong in my mind. I sincerely hope I was able to live up to your expectations. As usual, I OWN NADA DAYUM THING THAT'S YUGIOH.
Chapter 15: Waking Up In Wonderland
The room remained silent save for the steady breathing of the two sleeping occupants. Kisa attentively sat at the foot of the bed, thoughts centered around her companions. 'Marik hasn't returned yet... I hope he hasn't lost his way again.' She hugged her knees to her chest, curling in on herself to warm her chilled skin. Normally the palace was very comfortable; it struck her as odd that the private infirmary felt colder than usual. She wasn't the only one either..
The Catalyst had erupted in goosebumps along her collarbone and forearms. Kisa unwound herself from her enfolded position and slid off the bed to place Lady Aeva's arms underneath the blanket. She couldn't do much to assist at the moment but she would do what was necessary to make her Lady comfortable. Despite her worry she gazed down fondly at the sleeping woman.
Out of all of the palace's occupants, Lady Aeva and Captain Brigan were the most dear to her-the closest she'd ever come to having a real family. Her memory of her life before the palace was blurry, but she knew they had essentially saved her life. It was only right she return the favor any way she could. Whenever they fell ill or were injured she could never sleep due to worry, preferring to tend to their needs till they were back to full health. Or if they were gone for long periods of time and she'd been given orders to stay in the palace, she'd wait patiently with no company but her loneliness until they returned. Oh, how she would miss them so! The tiger girl smiled as she recalled how they'd never failed to bring her small gifts or sweets from the faraway towns and villages-especially Lady Aeva-whose attachment to her was seldom seen by anyone but the captain. Once, she had asked the Lady why that was and the answer had been quite vague. She, nor any other Catalyst before her, wasn't allowed to have close relations with any persons other than the Sovereigns; at least, that's what she been told. An odd rule to say the least. Kisa didn't mind though, she knew of Aeva's true affections for her.
She went to lift Aeva's arm and was startled by the Lady inhaling deeply, limbs moving sluggishly of their own accord as she came to. Her elfin-like features scrunched before smoothing out. There was an odd flash of red from under her fluttery eyelids, but Kisa paid no heed to the occurrence as striking silver eyes roaming the ceiling before coming to focus on Kisa's orange orbs. Relief flooded her small frame and she swallowed the sudden lump in her throat at the sight.
Kisa breathed, "Lady Aeva, I'm so happy you're awake." She took the woman's hand in her own and cradled her palm against her chest, smiling brightly. The Catalyst blinked a few times before returning her smile and squeezing back.
"I am. How is the Pharaoh?" She released Kisa's hand and sat up slowly. Kisa watched the recognition fall over her features at her surroundings. Her eyes came to land on the unconscious man in the bed alongside her own. "He still sleeps? I suppose that is for the best. I doubt even Brigan would be able to fully explain his current predicament."
Kisa nodded vigorously, "He sleeps Lady, yet he is perfectly sound. Not a hair on his head was harmed during the ritual. It's truly incredible." She couldn't help the waver in her small voice, "I was afraid for you Lady.. I was sure you'd been hurt when you fell. I healed you but when you didn't wake.. I believed it was something I couldn't mend." The Catalyst turned to her with a sympathetic look. Reaching out, she cupped Kisa's cheek-which the girl nuzzled into reflexively.
"Fret not, I am fine child. It will take more than that to finish me off. Are you alright?" She nodded yes. "How did the rest of our company fair? How is your friend Marik?"
Kisa gasped; the Egyptian's absence had fled her mind in the Lady's presence. Another bout of worry filled her and she wrung her hands together, speaking quickly.
"Queen Seraphine and the rest of us were blasted fairly hard by magic, but your shield protected us from injury. They are all fine now and resting. Marik went to the Chapel to retrieve the Dark Tome not an hour ago, but he has yet to return." Kisa stepped back as the Catalyst swung her legs over the bedside to stand up.
"Did he now?"
"Yes Lady, he was concerned that the Council members were not trustworthy where that Book is concerned. He does not seem to care for them much." Kisa watched attentively as Aeva stretched out her tight muscles, ready to aid if asked. Aeva's nose scrunched a bit as she worked out a knot in her lower back.
The Catalyst's sarcastic reply didn't escape the girl's notice, "I can't imagine why. They are ever so helpful in the midst of my distress." She grinned when Kisa giggled. "Although his distrust isn't unfounded; the Tome can be very dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. I shall have to assure him the Council is not a threat. But then, I'm not too fond of the Council myself-and I'd like that to stay between us." She winked at the girl. "Come. You must be exhausted. Let's get you to bed, shall we?" She strode towards the door with Kisa-mindful of Aeva's skirts-hot on her heels.
"But My Lady, what of the Pharaoh? Queen Seraphine has ordered me to watch over him."
Aeva glanced back at his prone form. Kisa didn't see her form stiffen with a small double take.. before relaxing and carrying on, "He will be fine for the moment. He's still deeply asleep and it would not be wise to rouse him before he is ready. I will watch over him till he wakes. But first, I need to retrieve a few of the Pharaoh's personal effects as well as find our paranoid Egyptian." She patted Kisa's head and guided her into the hall, "And you child, have done a marvelous job this night. Time for some well deserved rest. It's not good for a child to go without proper sleep. Off you go."
Kisa beamed at her, "Thank you Lady. Good night!" She curtsied and skipped off to her chambers, her heart feeling lighter than it had since last evening's dinner. Her stomach growled loudly and she rubbed absently at her navel. Perhaps she'd steal into the kitchens for an early breakfast before retiring to her bedroom. Carmen is always awake this early anyway and her sweet porridge was divine!
Aeva watched Kisa gaily skip around the corner, her skirts bouncing about her skinny legs. She grinned before turning to go the opposite way. The pre-dawn stars still twinkling in the ever-brightening blue of the morning sky as she made her way to her own chambers. She walked in and made a beeline for the large armoire. She fished around in the bottom cabinet drawers, pulling out the golden crown and royal blue cape. Like before in the tomb, a flash of a memory that was not hers caused her to pause.
A grand limestone stone chamber carved with detailed images..
Several individuals in fine clothing kneeling in respect on the floor..
A tall imposing man beckoning him out from behind the throne... then she was back in her room staring into the drawer. The fleeting image faded from her mind's eye and she blinked in the semi-darkness of the room. She hummed thoughtfully as she weighed the gold and fabric in her hands. That was twice she had glimpsed into his past. This time the memories were much stronger.
"How unusual.." The words were whispered more to herself than the crown now resting between her palms. So caught up in her musings she was that she failed to notice she had company.
"You've disappeared from my sight."
Aeva spun in alarm, catching sight of a figure sitting out on the thick railing of the large balcony. Had her doors been opened when she came in? She couldn't recall. That wasn't the real issue; what truly perturbed her was that she had not sensed the familiar aura the moment she entered her chambers. Catching the Catalyst unaware was an extremely rare thing. Her sigh of relief was audible, thankful it was a friend that startled her. She stepped out onto the balcony to greet her surprise guest.
Aeva bowed her head, "Lady Hai, it is good to see you. I did not expect you back so soon." The shadowed figure slid off the banister, the dim light of daybreak bringing pale skin and sharp features into definition. The woman's jet-black hair fell straight down her back, blending seamlessly into the folds of her black attire. Two garnet eyes gleamed at nothing in particular from her white, expressionless face. The woman's eyes were mostly unfocused as they roamed over the walls, the furniture-over Avea herself-as if they weren't actually there.
An airless whisper that was her response ghosted through the quiet room. "What magic have you done this night? The shift in the balance of power was so great..." Her gaze fell somewhere past Aeva's shoulder, "I could hear you calling to the void, but I could no longer see you. Then you vanished completely. My concern drove me to return." Despite her words her voice was completely devoid of emotion. Most considered Hai's disposition disquieting, but Aeva had learned long ago that events in her home realm were the cause of her strange behavior.. and her unique gift of foresight.
"I am touched at your concern for my welfare. As you can see, I am unharmed. And what I have done is what I had planned to do-what we had discussed before your departure. If what you say is true, and the shift managed to reach you as far as Piscian Cove, then my plan was successful. The Darkness that has plagued us has receded for the time being." Aeva gave the woman a curious look. "Tell me Lady, what do you mean can you not see me?"
Hai continued as if she had not heard the question. "Ah, the revival." The woman circled Aeva, "I saw it before we had even left. All paths I could see lead to your success in this endeavor. And yet, it wasn't until tonight that you disappeared from my sight." She came to stand behind Aeva, leaning in to speak into her ear. "How have you managed to conceal yourself from my eyes?" Aeva knew it wasn't her physical sight she spoke of.
Taken aback, Aeva looked over her shoulder at her, "I have taken no action to hide myself from you. Not intentionally, I assure you. Our connection would never allow it. My Lady, your being here tells of a hurried journey over a great distance. You must be exhausted. Can we continue this conversation tomorrow? As we speak, the resurrected lord lies at rest and I must return to his side."
"Does he?" Hai moved to stand before her. Aeva stared in confusion as garnet eyes looked to the high walls of the palace-searching as though she could see through the stone. "How distressing. I cannot see him either." Her statement shocked Aeva more than her lack of real emotion.
"What could that mean?"
"I do not know."
Aeva paid no mind to Hai's staring through stone. She adjusted the items in her arms to rub absently at her pendant necklace, hoping to make sense of these new developments only to sigh when her fingers clasped at nothing but air.
"You cannot see me nor the Pharaoh…that is worrisome. Oddly enough, I myself have recently discovered that I cannot sense his aura. I too have been rendered blind, yet strangely, I can still see yours and Kisa's as clearly as I had before." Hai's doleful blue aura ringed her form like a halo, shimmering in response to her examination.
Hai's gaze finally came down and locked on her own. Lucidity shimmered from within the deep pools of ruby as she stared intently at the shorter woman, studying her. If Aeva had been concerned before, she was definitely worried now. Hai spent her life half in-half out of this world; one eye in the now and one constantly looking to the future. To have the Lady now focusing solely on her was disconcerting.
"You're countenance has changed." Hai spoke so softly Aeva had to strain to hear it.
"My countenance? How so?"
Hai didn't answer. Her eyes glazed over again and she gave a noncommittal hum, moving past her and into the room to sit on the bed. Perplexed, Aeva followed her back in and went to stand in front of the large looking glass built into the wall. Nothing about her appearance stood out as abnormal to her. The fabric of her dress was a bit rumpled and her hair could use a good combing but nothing out of the ordinary. Her eyes traveled up to her features. Her visage the same one she saw every day. 'The Lady must be mistaken. There isn't anything differ-!' She gasped aloud. The crown clamoured to the floor followed by the cloak as Aeva pushed her face so close to the mirror her breath fogged the glass. She blinked repeatedly, hoping it was just a trick of the light. To further dispel the illusion she placed a hand on the wall and the room lit up-but no, it was there.
Her right eye was its normal liquid silver, framed by her dark lashes. Her left eye however... She gingerly touched her cheek right below her eyelid. The silver of her irises was here too, but now a thick slash of red marred the otherwise perfect color. She rubbed at her eye for a good minute before looking again. It was still there. Like a freckle or birthmark stretching from the pupil to the outer rim… The streak, which she now identified as deep crimson, both fascinated and frightened her. Hai's detached voice floated across the room.
"I will ask again dear Catalyst… what magic have you done this night?"
Aeva went back over the events of the ritual, thinking hard about what might have caused this sudden change. She rubbed her temples, wracking her brain for everything she had been taught about aftereffects of powerful spells. Changes in one's physical appearance caused by magic wasn't unheard of, but it was the alterations in the metaphysical sense that worried her. One almost always went hand-in-hand with the other, that's just the way things worked. This kind of reaction mostly stemmed from magic like curses, power exchange, binding spells- 'That's it!' She had cast a binding spell. Considerably one of the most powerful ones in existence. It was the only possible explanation...
She turned back to Hai, "Perhaps I spoke too soon. In addition to the revival spell I had to perform a Soul Binding. The Pharaoh's spirit could not be wrangled into his reborn vessel by summoning alone. It was only out of desperation that I even considered trifling with such a spell." In the mirror Aeva could see Hai's eyebrows raise a fraction. A tiny flicker of unease undulated across her aura before fading to normal. Aeva inwardly cringed; the Lady's reaction would be the equivalent of shock or outrage in any other person.
"You are Soulbound. Oh dear.." She stood and paced, a hand absently playing with a strand of hair.
Aeva bent to pick up the fallen affects, "It stands to reason that the Pharaoh will experience changes to his appearance as well. No matter though, he lives-and with a chance to achieve greatness like he's never known."
"Indeed he lives, but at what cost?" Hai said cryptically, slowly making her way back towards the balcony. "I must return before Nicias notices my absence."
"A moment Lady, please." Aeva spoke to her back as Hai stilled. "This was my choice, and I will accept whatever consequences befall me. Can I ask that you not tell his Highness until your return to the Citadel?"
Hai's head half turned to answer her, "I cannot lie to my Lord."
"And I would not ask you to lie. I simply ask that you omit my Soulbound status for now-at least until I know more. I may even be able to answer why you can no longer see my future. Please Hai…".
"Very well, I will remain silent on the matter. In return I ask that you be on your guard. I can no longer warn you of what is to come, and I fear your choice may bring about consequences that will affect more than just you and your new.. partner."
"I understand. You have my gratitude."
The Lady nodded once before gliding to the banister and disappearing into the sky in a flurry of black feathers. Aeva watched her go, an unsettling feeling in the pit of her stomach. She turned and gazed at her reflection in the mirror as Hai's warning repeated itself in her head.
"He lives, but at what cost?"
'At what cost indeed?' Ignoring the sudden anxiousness that overcame her, she turned and left the room-ready to face what lay ahead.
Aeva slipped into the open doors of the Chapel, curious as to why the room appeared to be empty when she could clearly sense Marik's aura within the room. Focusing intently she eyed the room until faint traces of lilac could be seen just above an altar table on her right. Her boots clacked on the floor as she crossed the room and peered behind the golden coverlet. Sure enough Marik sat against the wall, curled in on himself with the Dark Tome open across his lap and his hands supporting his head. His aura thrummed with some emotion she couldn't name. So lost was he in his brooding state that he gave no indication that he was aware of her presence.
She spoke softly so she wouldn't startle him, recalling how it displeased the foreigner to be taken by surprise. "Been doing a bit of light reading, I see."
He looked up at the sound of her voice and she could fully see how distressed he was. The grim lines around his mouth and the dark circles under his eyes… The poor lad looked just as he had when he learned he couldn't return home. His lack of spirit filled her with guilt. Without waiting for a response she slid down next to him, placing the Pharaoh's effects onto the floor next to her. "You seem lost in thought. Care to share what's on your mind?" She waited patiently as he sighed and pushed his hair out of his eyes.
"You remember telling me that I might have hidden strengths that would show up while wearing this?" He pulled his runestone pendant up so it dangled from his fingertips.
"I do."
"I think I may have figured out what one of those might be. But first I wanted to ask you something."
"Very well. I am, as you say, an open book. No pun intended." She grinned as his lips twitched upward before he became somber again.
"During the ritual there was moment when you were speaking a different language, wasn't there? You and the Council members?" He fiddled absently with the chain.
Her curiosity piqued, "Yes, a few moments actually. Were you not sure? I can't imagine you are familiar with the olde language of this land."
"I-I'm not. That's why I was confused. I could understand what you were saying but it was like watching a bad lip sync." He flipped a page in the book, "I didn't think much of it until I came for this-"
"Which you are already aware is quite dangerous to be handling-"
"Yeah yeah, I know. It was already open when I got here… The writing isn't Ancient Egyptian. It's not Latin or.. or any language from where I come from is it?"
Aeva shook her head, "No, it is not." Marik sighed again and leaned back til his head rested against the wall. "May I inquire where are you going with this?"
"I can read it."
Aeva froze. Seconds ticked by. Reaching over, she plucked the Book from his lap and hoisted it up to eye level. "This? You can read this?" He nodded profusely. "Good heavens… That is a rather unique gift." Her fingers gently ran over the rough paper. Her shock turned to awe-did this young man ever run out of surprises? This Marik Ishtar person was strong, brave and gifted. If this was the promise of a person of Earthrealm then she had high hopes for the future king. She playfully nudged him with her shoulder.
"Hah. I must admit I am impressed. It is very difficult even for me to read this. The writing is in a language that predates even the olde language. I know enough to get by but a crystal clear translation is beyond my capability. Were you good with languages back home?"
"Not really… I mean, I guess so. Not that I ever really studied any but looking back it was really easy for me. Too easy." Her smile faltered as his expression darkened, "When I had the Millennium Rod I could just delve into someone's mind and access their language skills for my own gain… any part of their mind to be honest. I used them like puppets till they weren't of any more use to me. I'm not proud about that but it was a powerful trick. Anyway, everything I learned just kinda stuck with me. I never gave it any thought that I may just have a knack for it. English, Arabic, French, Japanese..it's all up here." He tapped his temple, "But that doesn't explain why I'm able to read a language that's not even used here.. in another realm... across the universe." He rubbed his face tiredly. Aeva watched his aura waver; the feeling of being overwhelmed creeping back into his very soul.
"That I cannot shed any light on I'm afraid. The full potential of runestone magic is a mystery still, even to us who use them daily. For example, what language do you use predominately?"
"Uhhh it used to be Arabic but now mostly I speak English."
"And I take it you have failed to notice that we do not speak either of those languages here."
"I-w-what?" His did a double take and his jaw flapped open. She chuckled at his baffled look.
"I'll take that as a yes. In Ahvall the dominant language is called Suvharian, and the dialect fluctuates a little with every region of the realm. You've heard it before even if you do not recall. Back when we first met in Egypt." She waited for him to remember, watching as his brow furrowed in concentration. The gears finally clicked into place and Marik gave a soft, "Oh." Aeva continued, "To my knowledge there is not a living language in your home realm to compare or relate it to...but your ears are registering our words in a way you can understand, yes?"
Marik blinked rapidly, "Uh.. yeah? Aren't we-are we not speaking English right now? Wait.. no, you lost me." He shook his head like a wet dog drying it's fur.
Aeva laughed, "It is quite hard to wrap your head around. Especially since you haven't had any sleep. One thing we've learned here in Avhall is that there is no true language barrier anywhere in the city or the surrounding mountains. Something we believe is due to the runestones. Thus why we built our major cities in or around the rock itself. It is also why I always have one on my person when I travel outside of the realm. A runestone allows me to communicate with whomever I wish."
"Huh. So I can read and speak virtually anything without realizing it?" Marik tucked away his pendant and scratched the back of his neck.
Aeva nodded, "It would seem so." Marik blew air out of his lips and leaned his head back against the wall, expression harrowed.
"Damn.. there's just so much to this place. I'm barely keeping up, Aeva. How are you gonna get him to accept all of this?" She smiled and patted his shoulder; it warmed her heart that he was genuinely worried about the Pharaoh.
"The same way I did with the Sovereigns before him. The same way I have with you. One step at a time." He seemed to accept that answer as they fell into companionable silence. Aeva slowly thumbed through a couple of pages before murmuring, "Is it as awful as it seems?"
The Egyptian followed her line of sight and gave a shudder, "It's pretty bad. Borderline playbook of death and destruction. Most of it is the stuff of nightmares. Which I'm probably going to have for the next few days." He leaned over and closed the cover to her wandering hands. "How did you even know which spell to use?"
"Let's just say I'm a bit more familiar with the elements of darkness than most." She stood and placed the Dark Tome onto the altar before gathering her bundle.
"Should we really leave that here?" He stood and gave her a skeptical look.
"I'm aware of your concern about the Council. Do not worry, they neither have the incentive nor the power to use this. This is a safe place to keep it for now." She moved around the altar, walking backward away from him, "And as much as I'd love to sit and chat all hours of the morning, there is still a reborn king upstairs who has been left quite vulnerable. It simply would not do for the Catalyst to be absent when he wakes."
Marik jumped, "Oh shit! I forgot I left Kisa up there by herself!" He all but ran out the door with an amused Catalyst following at a leisurely pace.
"Okay, I'm having second thoughts. Maybe me being in there isn't such a good idea." Marik peeped through the crack in the door at the Pharaoh's visible lower half. The bright sun cast a warm glow throughout the large room.
"Pray tell, why would your presence be an issue again?" Aeva sighed, sitting patiently out in the hall with her troubled companion. It hadn't even been two hours since their "plan of approach" had been discussed. What was so difficult about informing him slowly, just as she had done with Marik? She was thoroughly confused with his indecisiveness. His presence held no threat to the man in her opinion. If anything, the new Lord might be comforted with a familiar face amidst this strange new land.
Marik groaned and went back to his nervous pacing in front of the door, "It's kind of a long story-"
"-He may sleep the day away. I'd say we have time."
"It's-it's not something that I can just throw out there Aeva! It's been years and I'm still trying to deal wi-ughh! You wouldn't understand."
"You could always just show me..nevermind." She quickly cut off at his icy glare.
"You've been in my head enough, thanks. Look, there's just some things about his and my past that might bring out some bad, uh, feelings back out and… and it may not be pretty. What if he still has a connection to his magic and doesn't believe I'm not the enemy anymore? He could flip out and blast me and I refuse to go back to the Shadow Realm-!"
"He may have a bit if he wielded magic before but do not fret. I will look out for you if he does not take kindly to your being here. Or have I not proven that your well-being is a priority?" She leaned back in her chair and massaged her temples.
Marik scoffed, "Yeah yeah whatever. You haven't seen this guy mad before.. I'm sure you'll have enough to deal with keeping him from freaking out about being alive and all so just trust me when I say me being in there when he wakes up is not going to help. Not right away anyway." Marik's nervous energy and his insistent pacing wore her down and she rolled her eyes, giving in to his unnecessary fears.
"Fine. I still do not understand, but if you wish to avoid him till he's acclimated so be it. I will not force you." Their discussion halted as Captain Brigan came sweeping around the corner-his rigid strides picked up as his Catalyst came into view. His face remained neutral but Aeva cocked a brow at his seemingly riled aura.
"Good morning Captain. I trust you've gotten adequate rest-"
"Is it true?!" He stopped abruptly in front of the winged armchair Aeva sat upon, glaring down at her in anger.
Taken aback at his outburst, she gazed up at him coolly, "I'm not sure what you are referring to, Captain." In her peripheral she saw Marik's head twist in their direction with a bewildered scowl as Brigan all but snarled at her.
"I just came from a compelling breakfast with Queen Seraphine. She had quite a bit to say about how you managed to bind that man's soul to his body!" As he said this he pointed an accusing finger at the private ward's door. "The implications escaped me last evening when she made mention of it but she is under the impression that you and him are Sou-" She quickly lowered her eyes and cut him off.
"Captain Brigan." Her harsh tone effectively snapping him to attention, "I will not abide you speaking to me in such a manner. If you have concerns about what occurred during the ritual then you can ask me at a more appropriate time. In private. Preferably in a much more respectful manner." He seemed to remember himself and stood down, though his anger still lingered.
"Of course Milady, I apologize." He took a step back and clasped his hands behind his back-the traditional militaristic pose a sign of submission to a higher rank. Aeva cast a glance at Marik, who was now looking between them strangely. She gave him an almost imperceptible shake of her head. He said nothing but she had a feeling he would have questions later.
And oh, did she have questions herself…
"Apology accepted. Now then, we are all in for vast changes in the coming days so there is much to do. I will leave oversight of our survivors from Dell Vallah in your capable hands, as well as the task of increasing our numbers here in the Citadel. Call our warriors home; their presence is no longer needed in the far regions. As you know, the Lord will awaken soon and my complete attention must be on him for the next few days. It is vital we establish a bond before he agrees to undergo my training."
Captain Brigan fisted a hand over his heart and bowed slightly, "As you wish Lady." She stood to enter the private ward, pausing mid-step when Brigan continued with, "Although something tells me you won't have an issue in that endeavor." She threw a withering look at his back as he retreated down the hall and out of sight.
"Is he always such an ass?" Marik scoffed, leaning casually against the doorframe with arms crossed.
Aeva sighed, "I'd like to say no, but as of late.. Do try not to judge him too harshly Marik. He bears a heavy responsibility. He does much to protect our home. As Captain of Avhall Brigan must be strict. Unwavering in his discipline. I've yet to meet anyone who can best him at what he does for his kingdom." She straightened her posture, "As I must be strong and unwavering in my path to find the Sovereigns. That is the role of the Catalyst. I'm going in now, so if you are still set against greeting him then perhaps you should get some rest. You deserve it." He shrugged but the feigning of his exhaustion fooled no one. Marik looked dead on his feet.
He frowned, "It's just not the right time. Maybe after he gets used to all this I'll talk to him. I know it took me a few days for the panic to go away and get my head on straight. And I was actually alive before I ended up here soooo…" Aeva relaxed and chuckled, waving him off.
"Your words have merit. Go on now. I will come and find you should I need help with our dear Pharaoh." He gave her a thumbs up and started down the hall. Halfway down he stretched his arms above his head exposing a small bit of his lower back; the movement wasn't sensual in any way but the action sparked her memory to what day it was.
She called after him, "Oh Marik! Tonight there will be no moonlight! It's the start of a new lunar cycle. You should ask for Shiine of the lower guard. I'm sure she would love to show you the finer selling points of the city!"
He whirled and jogged backwards, "Sheeneh? What's going on in the city?"
"Just tell her I sent you. Ask about the hidden vale!" His confused look was most amusing. He shrugged and nodded as he left her alone. Turning the handle of the door she quietly moved into the room. Atem hadn't moved an inch, save for his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm under the blankets. She frowned. Any other person wouldn't see an issue with this picture-him sleeping soundly under a watchful eye-yet it was her in this moment, and the picture was wrong.
She still couldn't see his aura.
Aeva made her way over to the chaise lounge and adjusted her skirts so she could sit comfortably and think. The crown of his homeland glinted in the sunlight from its place atop a fine oak dresser. The royal blue cloak folded neatly beside it. The only other aura she couldn't see was her own-which made sense; it would be like trying to see the back of one's own head. It wouldn't be such a disturbing notion except that every living thing gave off an aura. An aura could be empty and void of living emotion-such as the possessed prisoner's was, or it could be very faint as one neared death.. but it was always there. Always tangible. This man, however, had no trace of one. For a split second she feared that the spell had not worked and that his soul was not inside the body-but no, even then an aura would be seen. To further discredit that thought she had seen with her own eyes his soul fill his vessel. Which left very few explanations; the most reasonable one being an aftereffect of the Soul-Binding.
"Hmm.." Could it be she couldn't see it because a small piece of his soul was now hers? It was possible he could be a living blind-spot. She sighed and combed out her knotted hair, working her fingers through the tangles as she thought of ways to test this theory later on.
A sharp intake of breath startled her. She turned her attention towards the bed as Atem began to stir. From her spot across the room she watched him shift under the blankets; his eyes slowly opening and blinking in the bright room. His body seemed to function normally given that he rubbed at his face and took another deep breath. Out of nowhere a pang of nerves attacked her stomach. In all her long years, she'd always been able to gauge one's reactions and feelings through their auras. Without his being visible she was well and truly blind to his emotions. This was unfamiliar territory. It made her uneasy... Her heartbeat picked up as he became more aware of his surroundings. Mustering up a calm demeanor she waited for him to fully come to. 'It is now or never..'
The reborn lord moved to sit up, and Aeva took a deep breath as piercing crimson eyes swept the room before locking in on her. The next few moments may determine if she had succeeded or failed in her mission..
And there was no going back.
Atem's mind awoke before his body did.
His subconscious worked to swim through the thick fog surrounding it. Awareness brushed against him like waves, coming and going in a steady rhythm. He didn't know how long he remained there just floating in and out of...of what? He didn't know. What was this other than just being? He had no physical form to speak of-or at least, that is what it felt like. He was one with the nothing in and around him. At first..
Then his consciousness began to solidify, allowing him to separate himself from the nothing. Recognition followed that he was something-someone-who existed within this nothing. The first truly coherent thought to drift across his mind was that he couldn't see… Why was it so dark? Where was the light? He was completely enveloped by it... How long had he been drifting in this place, where no light could penetrate the blackness?
'So dark..'
The second wasn't a coherent thought as much as a pure raw emotion. A sudden burst of fear. He was afraid as flashes of familiarity sparked like lightning across his consciousness. Fear of silence and isolation..of sensory deprivation and fading memories... Fear of shadowy monsters, bloodthirsty gods and limestones labyrinths… Blinding pain as spirit split from body. 'No! Not again!' A series of harsh, reverberating pangs somewhere in his being stunned him; the fear dissipated like smoke, leaving him breathless-
Breathless? How could he possibly feel that way? Disembodied spirits didn't breathe. Nor did they feel physical sensations like the subtle warmth around hi-wait, warmth? It was warm and.. and soft here.. wherever here was. It was like being cushioned all over. So different than the icy chill of the shadows of his previous prison. The beating sensation continued till it faded to a dull throb. He waited in trepidation for the feeling to fade to nothing; for the stillness to take over again, but it never did. Now it was a faint but steady bump-bump-bump that resonated through his core.
He mentally reached out-picturing the feeling as something tangible to hold on to. He latched onto it, centered himself around it...and as he did he could feel awareness slowly coming back to him. He was and therefore he felt. Alongside the resounding beat within him he found sensation forming more clearly outside of himself. Something to his right twitched unexpectedly-he focused hard and was surprised when it happened again. He was connected to the movement... He tried again. It pleased him when the movement tugged at something along his side.
It was him! He was moving. He worked hard to pinpoint just what he was moving. They were small and few, barely fidgeting along the softness around them. Movement from his side.. Fingers? 'Yes!' His fingers were twitching on his right hand! He did exist. He had form. A sharp intake of breath at the realization informed him he had lungs-he could feel his chest rising and falling with the effort. The cushiony feeling came back stronger than before; it was then he realized this form-it had to be his body-was lying on a soft surface. His arms and legs gliding along whatever he rested upon, sparking a fuzzy white-noise sensation throughout his limbs. Similar to how his hand or leg would fall asleep-only now it was his entire body that was just waking up. Silky fabric glided gently against his flesh-he was naked. All too suddenly his hyper awareness at his nakedness brought something more profound to his attention.
At first, he thought it was an illusion. There was light-or more so there was color blossoming across his sight. The blackness brightened to a dull gray, to pink and then to a bright red before his eyes fluttered-the natural light of his surroundings temporarily blinding him. He lay with his eyes closed for a few seconds more before trying again. He slowly opened his eyes and white stone swam in his vision before stilling with perfect clarity. He stared at the ceiling above him as confusion and a wide spectrum of sensation overwhelmed his thoughts.
He blinked wetness from his eyes as the bright sunshine, reflexively using his knuckles to rub away moisture. Said hand came into focus and he studied the appendage. Dark bronzed skin covered his smooth palms and long, nimble fingers… They seemed familiar enough. He dragged his palm over his face, noting the familiar contours of his cheekbones and lips.
'This body.. is mine...' He wasn't sure why, but that thought brought with it a wave of relief. The previous fear of being a disembodied spirit fading to the backround. Why though? Why was he comforted by such a strange concept? A wave of deja vú swept over him, like he had experienced something like this before. He sat up hoping to dispel the confusion in his head.
At first, there was nothing wrong with the luxurious chamber he resided in. But after a few seconds the scenery felt...wrong. The colors, the decor, the lack of heat...
Something was very, very wrong. Goosebumps erupted on his skin as his eyes scanned the white stone arches of the room, the colored glass of the windows before settling on the most foreign looking woman he'd ever seen perched on a rather ornate lounge chair. Dark waves of hair framed a delicate face housing eyes the color of molten steel. Fairer skin, so unlike his own dark bronzed, alerted him to the fact that he had definitely woken up in unfamiliar territory. Which begged the question...
Where was he?
The woman slowly stood, a short movement given her small stature. She took a few steps closer to the bed before fluidly sinking in a curtsy, head bowed as she spoke. Her lower register took him by surprise as it clashed with her youthful appearance.
"You are awake at last. Do not fear for you are safe from harm. Lord Atem of Earthrealm, once Pharaoh of Egypt.. I am Aevangeline of Avhall…" She lifted her head and stared him dead in the eye, "And I have brought you here because I am in desperate need of your help."