Story: Meanwhile... Kindred Spirits

Previous 	Next 	Next
Main Path Epilogue / Warrior Path Epilogue	Mission 15 - Part 3: Prologue	
A quiet night has settled over the pharaoh’s palace after a somewhat uneventful day, bar one report: a rare occurrence as of late, with the long days usually spent in endless meetings with her council and generals about the civil unrest and rebel attacks on top of all her other duties. But what otherwise would be a welcome comfort to Sa’Perah Ah only filled her with dread as she sat on her bed in her chambers, back leaning against the pillows, yet the well-needed sleep was far from her mind. 
For nothing to be happening after weeks of constant turmoil, where rest had become foreign, felt like the calm before a desert storm: one that made wings sing in response but felt could bury her. She might let it.
She was barely keeping her head above it all as it was, not to mention the Aetherians’ presence. She had briefly hoped the letter had come from Pausanius; after all, everything regarding that Serperior had started with the Absol and his absence had been odd. The Absol, true to his kind, had had the uncanny ability to always show up on her doorstep when she felt disaster was near. Despite the fact she had rarely shown him the gratitude she felt, to say he was currently quite late was putting it mildly. Sa’Perah felt like she was standing at the edge of a deep rift, the sand an increasing pressure on her back, spilling past her, below into the void, trying to drag her henceforth. Yet, no sign of the Absol. 
Instead, the letter only brought more problems to deal with. Alaric, whose presence she had only entertained because of Pausanius’ insistence, barged back into her palace, and when she could not spare him the time, marched off to fight the rebels. She’d considered it might have been a bargaining chip to get her to give into his demands, but even more astonishing, her guards reported that after they had left just as swiftly as they came, though not before splitting off in two groups, one of which following a merchant, the other what appeared to be a rebel.
And though she only heard of it today, it has been two days since that had occurred, and she feels she should be doing something about it… but she could hardly spare the people to traverse the desert to look for them and risk being ambushed like many before them. That had been the problem with sending her own forces to the town to begin with.
The Flygon pharaoh let her eyes rest beneath her amber lenses as she let out a sigh, biting her lip. Despite the stress the day brought, she hated the nights far more; being kept so busy was a blessing that was hard to explain, perhaps even harder to understand. Being busy meant there was no time for quiet introspective, no room for intrusive thoughts, painful memories, grief, regrets, loneliness… emotions. Though it all felt like a farce, one that went against the symbol she bore, she wasn’t her father, who in his prime had been able to do both. To her, being Khetmaat’s leader meant she could don the mask to hide it all.
But here, alone in her chambers, she was just Sa’Perah Ah, whose emotions were so loud they had kept her from getting any true rest for years. 
As usual, she tried to distract herself, going over the duties the morning would bring until she hopefully fell asleep; some nights were more successful than others. Perhaps Shani had tracked down Yubel too, whatever that girl had been planning. Whenever she didn’t show up to bother her on a daily basis, it was cause for someone to investigate. Shani was designated for this task; after all, Sa’Perah really didn’t want any handmaiden around her after what happened with-
Taking a shuddering breath, she refocused. Baal-hamon had wanted to meet with her; she had meant to go to him tonight, but she hadn’t been up for the priest’s words tonight. Doing that first thing in the morning before her morning council meeting would be good, then after-
A small shift in one of the curtains, a gust of a breeze? The crest she bore seemed to trill as a feeling of anxiousness spiked, a feeling of being watched. She peeked between her lids to scan the room. Nothing visible… and yet, the feeling persisted. Someone was in the room with her, was it a servant or…?
: Reveal yourself, I know you are there.
A sound of something metal clattering to the floor broke the silence. Sa’Perah fully opened her eyes and shot forward to the edge of the bed, staring at the curtain where the sound had come, not before briefly glancing to the door: why had the guards not come in? Were they taken out? If this was an assassin-
She let the energy flow into her claws, the green light extending them in preparation of a Dragon Claw, her wings vibrating in anticipation, causing a singing noise to fill the room.
: Do not make me repeat myself. The consequences of your transgressions are already severe.
More silence… but then, a floating, small shadowy form appeared behind the curtain, unmistakingly a Yamask. It reached out an arm to pull the curtain away, then thinking better of it, let it drop.
: My pharaoh, I’ve.. I’m, I-
: (murmuring) I am me. I am in control.
The silence resumed, grating even more on the Flygon’s nerves. This certainly was a new approach to murder.
: Who are you, ghost? Have you come here to make me join you in the afterlife? I assure you, assassin, this course of action of making an attempt on the pharaoh’s life will cost you dearly. 
The ghost gave a shaky laugh without any mirth; in fact, they sounded on the verge of tears, which wasn’t very much like an assassin at all and made the pharaoh uncertain of how to proceed.
: I-I am well aware of it, you, you… have no idea, you actually have no idea how much I am aware of that.
: What?
: But I do not regret it, for it saved the life of the real pharaoh and my friend. You.
As she spoke, she phased through the curtain to face the Flygon, wiping her face, coming to hover above whatever it is she dropped, something golden, but the pharaoh can hardly pay attention to that, her eyes focusing on a particular flower sitting on top the Yamask’s head.
: H-hello, Sa’Perah Ah, I’m sorry it took so long, I-it’s Jendayi, I-
The Yamask did not get time to finish her sentence as she ducked beneath the green glow from the Flygon’s claw, tearing the curtain behind her.
: How DARE you attempt this!
: B-but I-?
: Shut up! This lie ends. Now.
The flygon’s wings vibrated into such a high and painful pitch, it burst a vase and started whipping up the air in the room like a storm trapped inside, lashing out at everything, cutting up drapes, furniture, and even chipping at the very pillars holding up the ceiling. The Yamask had no time to take in the destruction as the Flygon readied herself for another strike; the small ghost fumbled for the mask she'd dropped earlier, picking it up and holding it in front of her like a shield of sorts.
: Please Sa’Perah Ah, it’s really me- it’s Jendayi!
All suddenly goes quiet: the wind seized, and the various objects that were thrown into the air by gales came crashing down onto the stone floor. A beat passed, nobody moved… finally, the small ghost Pokémon dared to peak from behind her mask, the eyes of the Flygon before her still glued to that of her old face, frozen in shock and disbelief.
: My pharaoh?
She lowered the mask even more, and the Flygon’s eyes followed briefly before drifting back up to her current face.
: I do not understand… After all this time, it cannot be, but-
: Please, you have to believe me, it’s really me-
: If you are Jendayi, you… died?
: … Yes.
A somewhat hysterical look passed over Sa’Perah Ah’s face, and she began to pace, claws rubbing her upper arms in a self-hug, as if to offer comfort in vain.
: But that's-
: Ghosts usually manifest when they have unfinished business or a strong desire to return... Intense emotions that teather them to the living world-
: For the longest time, I… I didn’t think I was someone worth coming back for. They never did before, none of them did… my family- 
: My pharaoh-! ... I’m so sorry, I always wanted to return to be by your side. I would have years ago, but-
: Years?!
: How long have you been, how did you-? I do not understand any of this, this all feels unreal, you cannot be here.
: After I… died, I didn’t remember anything, not myself nor my past. By the time I remembered, everything still felt raw, like it had just happened, but it had been years for you, and I just didn’t know how I could face you, what I would say, if I even should reopen such wounds.
: But I remember everything. I remember how you gave me a new life at the palace after what happened to my village, despite what others thought about taking someone like me in - how it became my home, and the many days I spent with you, both the good and the bad. 
: I remember helping your mother braid beads in your antennae. I remember defending you against your brothers’ incessant teasing and rough-housing. I remember you crying yourself to sleep after your father’s death. I remember working alongside the palace physician to craft aromatic incense that I could burn to help you rest. Turns out I was allergic to many of the ingredients, but I didn’t mind the hives on my paws if it meant you could go one night with dreamless sleep.
: This possible conversation played through my mind a thousand times, even though I never thought I’d be able to have it - but while there are many things to say, they cannot be said because there is no time. 
: What’s important is that you must know all I ever wanted was to protect you, so when I learned-
: Then why did you leave me!?
: I never wanted to leave you, my pharaoh, regardless of what would happen to me when I did. Despite the severity of my actions, I intended to return to you, but I died before I could. Sa’Perah, I have been dead for 15 years.
: 15?! That time, the last day I saw you was-
: That was the last day I remember being alive.
: But we searched for you, you were- I assumed you must have left, and Ptolemy said you had worked with him-
: My body fell in the channel. I am unsure of what happened to it, I imagine it must have been carried away by the stream.
Sa’Perah suddenly stopped in her pacing. Something dangerous flashed in her eyes as she turned to face Jendayi, and the ghost flinched at the harshness of her stare.
: Did Ptolemy… Did he kill you too?
: NO! Please, listen to me very carefully. He did not kill anyone that day. Ptolemy was going to kill </i>him</i>, but he never got the chance; that man had found out who he was and decided that he could solve both his problems in one swoop, as he meant to have you killed and pin it on Ptolemy.
: He planned to have me killed-?
: You knew he was capable of that, my pharaoh. You told me your fears of him, and I shared them; it was one of the many reasons I decided to ally myself with Ptolemy. 
: So that much was true. But then, who did, and you-?
There was a pregnant pause as Jendayi dared to float closer to Sa’Perah, meeting her gaze with a flinty one of her own.
: I think you already figured it out, my pharaoh…
: So what you said before?
: Last time I entered a “pharaoh's” chambers, I killed that man before he could go through with his scheme; he was unaware of my involvement. I thought that would have been the end of it, even if it had cost me my life… if only that had been the end of it.
: What do you mean?
: My pharaoh, the reason I have returned is because I wasn’t the only one that came back, and you are in danger again. 
The crest burned against her chest as a red-hot flare of panic shot through her spine. Sa’Perah twisted away from Jendayi, trying to ignore the feeling, dismiss the pain, as she had so many other times-
: Please no, that’s impossible, he- The rites-
: They failed- or rather someone caused them to fail. That’s why I’m here, I had hoped we could have taken care of him without involving you but- I’m here for the Tome of Iah. With it, we should hopefully get rid of him once and for all.
: He’s- he’s behind everything, Sa’Perah Ah- everything bad that happened when he still drew breath, and everything now. These rebels don’t even know who they are working for, he’s tricked them too, just pawns to get to you-
: (interrupting) How do you know about that book?
: Well, I, well I can explain that later, it’s quite a story, but right now we need-
: Oh I can believe that, quite a story indeed. (letting out a short bark of self deprecating laughter) How could I have been so stupid?
: What?
Sa’Perah whirled back to face her so-called friend back from the dead, anger now firmly replacing the fear, causing her to take quick steps towards the ghost who retreated back towards the destroyed curtain. A wild light of grief in her eyes clashed with the sinister smile on her face, and the dragon pointed an accusing finger with a spastic flick of her wrist.
: “Jendayi” would not know about the Tome of Iah, very few people do. I have no idea how you rebels learned of it, and as clever as it is to use my emotions against me, you are fools if you think I would give you Khetmaat’s sacred heirloom because of them. 
: While you may know of its existence, you know very little of its power, for in fact, after Nakht-pa-Aten’s death and the rites been placed, I personally took possession of the book, so that it could NEVER be used to resurrect him. The book is used solely in those rites, no other artifact should be able to dispel them!
: No, I learned of it from-
: Spare me- it’s over, and once I’m through with you, not even the Tome could bring you back-!
: This is exactly why I suggested we have this conversation at the temple.
A Vikivolt zipped into the room through the now-open doorway, another victim of the earlier winds. He remained hovering in place next to the two other occupants, one looking quite grateful for his arrival, keeping his attention focused on the irate pharaoh.
: I was certain you would have joined me when I made my request to speak to you - to think you actually went to your chambers, when I know you hardly sleep. As for you, Jendayi, as much as you appear to have been right that waiting on the pharaoh to come was wasting time, I wish you would not have snuck off to do this. Would you look at the state of this room?
: Don’t call her by that name- this is one of the rebels, they’ve come for the Tome of Iah!
: I assure you, this Yamask here is in fact Jendayi, and not one of the members of the Claws of Ammut.
: How can you be so certain this isn’t a trick-?
: While I’m quite certain, I do believe you yourself are much more certain of her identity. If you’d allow yourself to listen to what you feel and not what you fear…
Sa’Perah blinked, heart ricocheting in her chest. She looked first at the priest’s placid face, then towards Jendayi, currently half-hiding behind her mask, looking at her with cautious concern… and slowly, the Flygon relaxed, restless gaze finally landing on Baal-hamon.
: But what she said about Nakht-pa-Aten, that cannot be-
: I am aware you laid claim to the the book after his burial because you thought- 
: His… “will” was strong enough to bring him back, despite the rites- that’s why I insisted the book be used to seal him and made sure it couldn’t be used after- but now you are saying it somehow still wasn’t enough?
: Well, it would have been. At the time, I thought your worries were unsubstantiated but truthfully, I wanted to believe that so badly that I may have blinded myself to the possibility.
: I now believe someone must have tempered with the rites, using the book instead to make an artifact that has not only aided his return, but given him the amplified power to control such a vast amount of spirits.
: A small comfort lies in that at least some of the rites must have remained as he does remain trapped in the tomb, though unfortunately his influence does not. 
: So you were the one who told her about the Tome? 
: No, I didn’t initially, she was already looking for it when I learned of her existence.
: She-
The Flygon cast a glance towards the Yamask, but quickly looked back to the Vikivolt priest, though not missing the pained look the Yamask gave her.
: How does she fit in exactly then?
: (interrupting) I was under his control, I only broke free once I heard of his plans to kill you. It triggered my memory and eventually it all came flooding back. When I went looking for aid, I found Ptolemy and he-
: Ptolemy is alive?!
: (nodding) He’s been working to protect Khetmaat too.
Sa’Perah froze. Memories long buried rushed to the forefront- stern blue eyes, softening whenever they forgot to keep their guard up- and a heat she had not felt in some time crawled in the pit of her stomach. She blinked, refocused, as Baal-hamon loudly cleared his throat behind his clicking mandibles.
: Ah, well yes, we are doing this all out of order, but with the ruckus you caused, we really don’t have the time for everything. Seeing as no assassins showed up, the Aetherians must have succeeded in foiling the attempt Jendayi spoke of- but I hardly think it’s wise to wait around here until their allies come to check if all this noise they heard means it was successful. I am especially not fond of finding they might have some contingency plan. 
: The Aetherians? So that explains the guards. But I can’t just give you the book without-
Suddenly, a small hippo came barging into the room, out of breath.
: Baal-hamon, please, wait. My pharaoh, Jendayi! Is everyone okay?
: Shani is involved?
: Another thing we can explain when we have time- which isn’t now. As we speak, the Aetherians and Ptolemy are waiting for us to arrive with the book.
: And I can’t just give you what you want without knowing the full story-
: We don’t have time!
Shani sucked in a deep breath- exhaled... and began:
: Nakht-pa-Aten's been scheming long before he became pharaoh, working together with various nefarious groups to grow his influence, including his personal army, bandits, and slave traders. Ptolemy’s father, Onouphrios, believed him to be behind all of this already, as well as the assassination of your whole family, Sa’Perah Ah, as he set his eyes on the throne which marrying you ensured he’d get, of course using Onouphrios as a scapegoat to blame for your father’s murder. My mother, Meritites, was there to witness his innocence, but didn’t have the proof or power to expose the truth. The prosperity that happened right after he became ruler was paid for in the blood of the east as he destroyed those people of Khetmaat to feed his desire for wealth and power. Ptolemy, following his father’s footsteps to stop him, reformed the rebel group. At first he thought you were in league with him- but when he learned you were just another victim, he worked together with Jendayi to ensure you would safely complete the Trial of Emotion so that if he took out Nakht-pa-Aten, you would be accepted as the new sole ruler. Nakht-pa-Aten caught wind of it, wanted to kill you and pin it on Ptolemy, but Jendayi got to him first, though she died and Ptolemy was blamed for the kill, so he had to lie low. Someone made sure Nakht-pa-Aten wouldn’t stay dead, and he started to pull strings, at first just using the dead, but then using a messenger to trick the newly-formed Claws of Ammut rebel group to work for him. They don’t know who he is or they would not have joined him, since they are against the both of you. Ptolemy continued to oppose them even with dwindling forces, and once Jendayi broke free of Nakht-pa-Aten’s control, she sought Ptolemy out where they learned from one of the tomb keepers that they needed the Tome of Iah to stop Nakht-pa-Aten’s power over the dead before he sends his army upon the people of Khetmaat to take over, claim the book and your life, and become unstoppable. The Aetherians showed up somewhere along the way; one group went to stop an assassination attempt on you, the other joined up with Ptolemy to secure the way to the tomb. Without the book however, everything will have been for nothing-
: Also some of the guards I know to be Claws were gathering nearby, so we should really go before they decide to come up here.
Everyone stared at the usually soft-spoken Hippopotas of little words as she gasped for breath.
: (coughing) ... That about sums it up, I suppose.
: Sa’Perah Ah… I know it’s a lot, but-
The Flygon shook her head as she touched the crest embedded in her necklace, willing it to give her the strength she needs.
: I don’t have time to process it right now. If it means the end of Khetmaat if I don’t act right now, then I have to listen to what my heart tells me.
The Flygon walked towards a wall, before pulling off the crest of emotion she carried and holding it to one of the stones. A clicking sound was heard, and the wall slid open. A small room lay behind it, and beyond lie stairs. The Flygon entered the room and picked up a strange box lying on a low table, appearing to be carved from saltstone and adorned with an entire small Stantler horn, which lies embedded in its center.
: I believe you. The Tome is inside this box; it dampens the energy that can be felt from the book and further distorts what remains, making it unable to be located. I will not take it out until we reach our destination.
: We? My pharaoh, you cannot come, it's too dangerous.
: And here is safe? Apparently there are many people out for my life right now, even within my own palace. I would rather at the very least not sit around to await such a fate. This hallway will lead us out of the palace; I’ll be sure to close it behind us. If they are somehow aware of it, which they shouldn’t be, I doubt any have the crest to open it.
Shani and Baal-hamon wasted little time as they entered the secret passage, the latter letting a soft current of electricity run along his body to light up the tunnel. Jendayi followed after, clutching her former face and pausing beside Sa’Perah.
: My pharaoh, you shouldn’t hide away your feelings, everything Shani said, my return-
The wall closed silently and the Flygon began walking towards the two others waiting for them a few steps ahead, ignoring Jendayi as she floated closer, reaching out a hand to place against Sa’Perah’s wrist.
: Sa’Perah Ah-
The Flygon snapped her head back into Jendayi’s space- and her glare was as solid as stone: unfeeling and uncaring, carefully crafted to protect what lay beneath.
: What do you expect of me then, Jendayi? What would you have me do? Perhaps if you wanted to consider my feelings, you would have done it sooner, given me the time to actually be able to have them, instead of going behind my back- ... again apparently. 
: Do you want to know how I feel? I’m tired. It seems my whole life, not one single person has trusted me enough to be honest with me, always deciding everything for me. How could any of you claim to care, yet possibly have thought not telling me any of this was somehow part of protecting me?
: But it doesn’t matter how I feel Jendayi, and that’s nothing new, now is it? Because you’ve all already decided what’s best. So I’ve decided too- that I’m going to, at the very least, make sure that whatever happens to me, Nakht’s heart finally gets devoured for all his deeds.
: ... Even if I have to drag him down to the Duat myself.
The Flygon nodded to the priest to go on; the bug did so without a word, the pharaoh right behind. Shani cast them a sorrowful look as she watched the small ghost follow behind her pharaoh, tears running down her face, before stepping behind them.
Whatever fate the future held for all of them, there was no turning back now.
Previous 	Next 	Next
Main Path Epilogue / Warrior Path Epilogue	Mission 15 - Part 3: Prologue	
Return to Top
Category:Meanwhiles
Category:Arc 2
Category:Khetmaat