Act 1: Part I:
“The final call for flight 218 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Cairo, Egypt is now boarding.” The mechanical voice of an operator announced, voice carrying over the roaring buzz of excited students.

Jade was always the last one to get through anything trying and annoying, it was no different now, she was arguing with one of the attendants while boarding the plane, “What do you mean my carryon bag is too big? They said it was fine at the check-in station!” Her voice was a loud whine.

“I’m sorry, miss, but that bag really is too big, it won’t fit in the overhead compartment.” The young attendant said in apology.

Jade huffed angrily, “It’s the final boarding, I’m not leaving my bag here, nor am I allowing anybody else to take it. This bag is my life!”

“Well… maybe it’ll be okay.” The attendant sighed, giving up, it was going to be a long flight and she didn’t want to deal with the girl’s mouth the whole way.

“That’s what I thought.” Jade smirked, making her way onto the plane at last.

Jade made her way through the aisles, seeking her place and found her seat taken by Lu-Lu, whom she despised. “Get your ass up and move to the back of the plane!” She demanded.

Lu-Lu snorted, “Fuck you; bitch. First come, first serve so get your own damn seat!” Lu-Lu growled back as she enjoyed sitting between her sisters for life, Nami and Anka.

Realizing that it was useless, Jade sighed and drug her bags back where there was an empty seat and struggled, placing her bags above herself. This trip was a sure fire way to allow her an “A” for being the teacher’s pet, and there was no way that anybody was going to ruin that.

Lucas and Parlé were still amused by Lu-Lu’s outburst towards Jade. They pulled out their pokémon gameboy color games and continued where they had left off battling. Jewel, who was stuck sitting between them, rolled her eyes. There would be no peace on the 12 hour flight; if she would have known that, she would have offered her seat to Jade and moved away from them. Jewel leered at the two of them, “Whoever invented pokémon needs to die!”

Parlé glanced up, “Whoever invented pink needs to die!”

Jewel gasped, “Oh, no you didn’t!”

“Where’s the Z-snap?” Lucas asked, quite bemused by their argument.

“Get a life.” Lu-Lu turned to the two boys who were picking on poor Jewel; they needed to shut up so she could read her fan fiction in peace.

“And room to talk starts where?” Nagi chimed in from across the aisle.

“Where my foot goes into your ass, boy.” Lu-Lu glared at him darkly, leering above him threateningly.

Nami finally spoke up, yanking Lu-Lu back into her seat by the ear, “Don’t pick on Nagi. He’s just playing.”

“And the line of obsession starts where?” Anka and Lu-Lu grinned sheepishly at Nami.

“When I shove my—grrr…” Nami turned away from them before she completely dug her own grave. “Good night.” She crossed her arms and closed her eyes.

“That’s what I thought.” Lu-Lu replied smugly.

Nami yawned and stretched her arms out, making positive to smack Lu-Lu as hard as she could in doing so.

Conner, Drake, and Tristan sat behind Nami, Lu-Lu and Anka, grinning in amusement, “This’ll be an interesting flight.” Tristan commented, “What with the constant clashes and all…”

“It’s going to be long…” Conner complained, looking around, “My bladder’s already full, how do you expect me to wait twelve hours?”

“You could always use the public restroom at the back.” Drake pointed out.

“Ew, hell no.” Conner muttered, “That’s gross… I can’t stand public bathrooms.”

“You won’t be saying that twelve hours from now.” Tristan snickered, “You’ll probably need a change of pants.”

Chloe placed her hands playfully over Conner’s eyes, “We can totally have fun out of the country when the chaperones are fast asleep. That is definitely a good use of unisex bathrooms.”

“But that is unsanitary, still.” James interjected.

“That’s what blankets are used for.” Chloe replied.

“Nice!” James held his hand up for her to slap.

Just before she gave him the high five, she realized that she had just carried that conversation on with one of the chaperones and dropped her hand in disbelieving embarrassment.

“I just thought I’d give you some health and safety tips before Claudia gets back.” James winked, placing his hand over hers.

Chloe opened her hand to find a condom. “You are by far the worst chaperone ever.”

“Or the best. Whichever way you look at it.” Drake shrugged.

Claudia poked her head in the row, “James, there was a problem with the seating and poor Jade has to sit alone, so I’m going to give her some company and grade some papers. Does anybody else want to accompany me to the back?” Her question was followed by silence. “An A for the year?” Still, dead silence. “I’m just going to assume that you’re all comfortable and continue on my way.”

“Exactly.” Jewel nodded for the group.

Claudia turned one last time, “James?”

“H-hey, now! Somebody has to keep a good eye on these kids, here. Nobody knows what they’re going to be up to under our noses.” James replied.

“Excellent point. See you in 12 hours.” Claudia replied.

When Claudia was gone, “You are the worst liar ever.” Tristan muttered to James.

“So are you getting yourself laid?” Jewel asked, finally worming away from the pokémon twins and their excessive ambition to sing the theme songs perfectly.

“We all need to buy some Egyptian hookers and party while the two losers in the back of the plane are grading some essays.” Lu-Lu interjected.

“She’s still in ear-shot.” Nami replied, standing up to stretch.

“Did anybody else notice the lack of passengers that stayed in our compartment for seating?” Nagi glanced around and saw but two sleeping men and a young couple who were enjoying the in-flight movie.

“Hm… it is odd.” Anka stroked her chin thoughtfully as she looked around, “Do we scare people away that easily?” She asked innocently.

“The conformist bastards.” Nami replied with a shrug, “We’re all unique individuals (except Jade) with interesting personalities. They can’t handle us. So… Doc, got any more of those?”

James grinned boyishly, “I stock ‘em like candy.” He said, tugging open his jacket, lining the inner walls were different types of condoms.

“Wow, you really came prepared.” Lu-Lu commented, impressed, “How ‘bout we take a trip into that bathroom?”

James patted her on the head, “Sweetie, you’re still under age.” He explained to her, “Give it another year.”

Lu-Lu pouted, “We’re not even in the United States anymore! You can’t conform to their rules!”

“Technically we’ll still be in the country for a short while.” James shook his head, chuckling.

“Lu-Lu, sweetie, give it up.” Nami placed a hand on her shoulder, “You’ll have to settle for a student.”

“Aw, but…but, the teacher student scenario is so much cooler!” Lu-Lu exclaimed.

“Hello, its called role playing,” Anka tapped her on the forehead playfully.

“Tch, you act like you have experience.” Lu-Lu rolled her eyes.

“Tell you what,” James said, “I promise when we land I’ll buy you a drink.”

“Oh, that sounds fun.” Lu-Lu smiled evilly, James couldn’t hold his liquor and was a very interesting drunk, she didn’t have the heart to tell him that he’d already slept with her, twice.

Nagi crept before their seat and whispered to Lu-Lu, “So, did he spank you with the ruler both times, or just the one?”

“Who told you?” Lu-Lu’s gaze maliciously crept over to Nami.

“Don’t look at me. I have better things to do than gossip about your sex life.” Nami replied coolly.

“Like you have one of your own…” Lu-Lu commented cruelly.

“How do you know we don’t?” Nagi asked, almost too baitingly.

Lu-Lu grabbed Nagi by his shirt and drug him into the bathroom. She threw him onto the sink and locked the door, “You like Nami, Nami likes you. You two are the only ones who don’t know that…or so it would seem…”

“Why are you rambling to me in the bathroom?” Nagi asked, still a bit confused.

“Who told you?” Lu-Lu demanded.

“I have my ways.” Nagi countered.

“As humorous as it would be, I doubt that you even have a masturbation life.”

“What is so humorous about that?” Nagi was once again lost.

“I’m picturing Nami the rat moaning random bits of information instead of your name.” Lu-Lu replied coldly.

“Your condescending remarks won’t crack me.” Nagi replied.

“You asked for it.” Lu-Lu threw her corset to the ground and began tugging on his clothing.

“Seriously, put it back on.” Nagi calmly replied.

“Come on, baby.” Lu-Lu placed her hand on his leg and began tracing it slowly.

“Wait! What are you doing!?” Nagi shouted, loud enough to be heard by his concerned friends.

“Do you have the anti-rape kit?” Jewel turned toward Drake.

“As always, on board.” Drake pulled a small case from his gym bag. He and the rest of the passengers concerned with Nagi’s well-being rushed toward the bathroom. Drake stood in front of the door with Conner as his assistant. “Credit card?”

Conner placed it in Drake’s palm, “Check.”

“Pepper spray.” Drake chimed.

Anka held it up, “Check.”

“Chains?” Parlé held up the next item.

“First aid kit.” Nami held it up in the air.

“I’m very concerned. Chains? Pepper spray? First aid kit?” James was approaching the crowd of students, “The way you make it sound… It’s like you all plan on having kinky sex.”

“Credit card for the door, obviously, then there is that pepper spray for Lu-Lu, the first aid kit for Nagi’s injuries from struggling and the chains are there because handcuffs can no longer hold that kinky bitch.” Drake explained.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” James stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Drake forced the door open and was quickly out of the way. Anka rushed in, pepper spraying the air, choking up the bathroom. Nami apprehended Nagi and took him back to his seat to treat any injuries and trauma that may have occurred. Everybody else was attempting to not provoke Lu-Lu’s horny sadistic side as they forced her into chains and to be tied to her seat indefinitely.

The rest of the passengers and a few flight attendants were a bit shocked to say the least.

“There’s nothing to see here.” Lucas assured them.

The shocked expressions all lead to the near vacancy of their room on the plane once again. “I think they’re trying to tell us something.” Chloe muttered as the last of them headed back towards business and others for safety measures, back to coach.

“The message isn’t too difficult: Don’t bring Lu-Lu unless vacancies are needed.” Nagi leered at the bound girl.

“Don’t aggravate or instigate. You know that makes her want to rape you.” Nami replied, sterilizing a cut on his forehead.

Jewel sighed as she glanced around at her choice of friends. Nobody’s friends were as eccentric as that group right there. “So… how did you get them chains past security?” James questioned casually.

“There’s… erm… Well, we’ve got this.” Anka held up a small card.

“Crazy, I’ve never seen one of these before…” James muttered.

“Neither did the security guards, they had to call and make sure it was legit.” Nami giggled.

“What exactly is it?” Tristan questioned, leaning forward in his seat.

“It gives us permission to carry around the anti-rape kit.” Anka rolled her eyes, placing the card back in her pocket; she held a small bag loosely in her lap, “Lu-Lu tried to rape the governor and one thing led to another…” She grinned.

“Is Lu-Lu really that bad?” Conner made a face.

“Yes, she really is.” Nagi glowered.

“You know you like it.” Lu-Lu winked at him and blew him a kiss, “You’ll get the whole package next time.”

Nagi whimpered, gulping and lowered himself in the seat. “There will be no next time.” James placed a firm hand on the top of Lu-Lu’s head.

“Stop teasing!” Lu-Lu whined, attempting to stand, “Spank me!”

“Um… did that kit contain a muzzle by chance?” James blinked warily.

“Yep, right here.” Drake commented, passing a muzzle casually into James’ hand.

“I can’t do this.” James complained, “She’ll think its foreplay!”

“I’ll do it!” Lucas chimed.

“No!” The girls chorused.

“Please?” Lu-Lu begged.

Lucas grinned and grabbed the muzzle from James’ hand. He buckled it firmly about Lu-Lu’s mouth and leaned down to whisper, “I’ll see you later.” The rest of the flight was spent in relative peace.

The first break of Dawn shined it, just before the announcement of flight 218’s landing. Everybody stirred and was amazed how they managed to fall asleep. People lay in the aisle and James and Lu-Lu remained in their seats for sleep.

“Trembles and turbulence are a worse wake-up call than me…” James chided at the contorted teenagers.

“Not if they wake us up later!” Drake threw the anti-rape kit, which was his pillow, at James groggily. “Damn it, I threw my pillow so, I guess I’m up…” Drake complained, returning to a seat and fastening himself in for safety.

Nagi sat up from beneath the row of seats that he chose as a shell and shook Chloe, Parlé, and Tristan awake.

James stood up and headed toward the restroom, only to trip over Jewel, Conner and Lucas, thus startling them awake. He landed safely on his face and remembered to take a head count. “Where are Nami and Anka?” James started back towards the students and checked about the seats they had occupied hours before. He stood up silently to be smacked with an arm from above him. “Eeeeep!” James leapt into Tristan’s arms in shock.

Nagi poked his head into the over head rack, “It’s just Nami and Anka.”

“How did they manage that?” James asked as Tristan set him on his own feet.

“I don’t know, but they’re so cute!” Nagi commented; both had hoods drawn over their hair, the hoods contained the shape of animal ears, almost giving them a childlike appearance.

“Wake them.” James ordered.

“They’re too cute to disturb!” Nagi almost squealed.

James sighed, “As cute as they are, it’s still not safe for them to be…” James stopped when he saw how cute and cuddly they were. “Awe…they are adorable….”

“We know that. Get them down, though.” Drake replied. “Their cuteness will be forever broken if you don’t.”

“We must preserve the cuteness!” James shouted as he placed Anka in a seat, and as Nagi placed Nami in a seat.

Anka and Nami chorused while rubbing their eyes, “What’s going on?”

“We’re about to land.” Parlé replied.

“Are the hags up?” Jewel asked in a yawn.

“Nope. Let’s surprise them!” Chloe cheered, starting toward room 2 of the first class.

“You’ll give that old lady a heart attack.” James replied.

“All the more reason.” Chloe shrugged with everybody but Lu-Lu and James following her closely.

The group all quickly found the pair of them and were encircling their prey. Simultaneously, they all shook one of the two violently, waking them instantly in a panic.

“The plane is crashing and we need to get off now!” Anka and Nami pointed out the window.

The turbulence began to kick in as their words finished. The older woman and her pet were both thrown around viciously by the shaking.

“Let’s go get our stuff.” Conner shrugged, grabbing Chloe’s hand and starting a chain to get back to their room safely. They all sat back down with no turbulence shock before they could be fastened in safely.

James walked out of the bathroom to be crashed into by Jade and Claudia. “Jeez, slow down!”

“The plane is crashing!” Jade cried.

James quirked an eyebrow at the mischievous on-lookers that were trying not to laugh. “Who informed you?”

“Nami and Anka.” Claudia replied.

“Who were just awoken?” James replied.

“Uhh…” the two exchanged glances.

“They all just got up. None of them are responsive.” James replied, covering for their trick as he always seemed to.

“So, why is she enchained?” Claudia pointed to Lu-Lu.

“She kept having nervous twitches with her night terrors.” Lucas replied blandly.

“Oh, alright.” Jade and Claudia returned to their seats, as did James.

The civilians were all rather appalled at the American girl who was muzzled, chained and hopping through airport security, lead by none other than the group pervert himself. Lucas grinned broadly as he led Lu-Lu through the crowded airport. The group managed to grab their luggage and headed out into the heated morning air of Cairo.


Act 1 Part II:
“Wow.” Jewel whistled, “It’s like we’re in a whole different world.”

“It’s hot, my hair’s going to frizz!” Jade whined, shielding her eyes, “I’m going to get wrinkles and skin cancer in this sun… My perfect skin can’t take it…”

“Don’t worry, sweetie, we’ll be in the sun very little.” Claudia patted her sympathetically on the back, “Our first stop is the hotel, we’ll order in some breakfast.”

“After that?” Anka asked.

“Look at your program, bothersome girl.” Claudia muttered the last under her breath.

Anka pouted, “Why is it that I always manage to get the biting comments?”

“It’s okay.” Lucas massaged her shoulders, moving suspiciously down over her back, “Remember, she picks favorites.”

“You mean picks a favorite.” Anka snapped, slapping his hand away, “Don’t even try it, Lucas.”

“I can’t help it!” Lucas sighed innocently, “What do you expect me to do surrounded by beautiful women?”

“Contain yourself.” Chloe growled, “Or you’ll find that the bottom of the Nile will be your new home.”

“Ohh, will you be coming with me?” Lucas grinned mischievously, dodging her fist.

“Behave.” James scolded, then, softer, “At least until Claudia and Jade are in their rooms.”

Drake chuckled dryly, “How did you manage to get Miss Huntington to accept you for this trip?”

“Easy, I used my charm.” James laughed.

There was a strange chittering sound and Anka suddenly blushed, clasping her small bag close to her, “Um… I need the restroom!” She exclaimed, racing from their presence.

“Don’t go far without a buddy, remember the buddy system!” James called after her.

“Irk, I’ll go.” Nami rolled her eyes, already knowing what Anka’s problem was.

“Why’d you bring him?” She hissed once they were out of earshot.

“You honestly expect me to leave poor Yaryck home with my family?” Anka questioned her eyes wide with horror.

“Good point…” Nami sighed, “But, still, if the hag or Jade discovers you have him… well, you know what’ll happen… One of them’ll get a new purse.”

“Don’t talk like that, you’ll scare him!” Anka gasped, holding her bag closer.

“What’s wrong with him, he’s being unusually noisy…” Nami asked, finally getting over her astonishment and moving into concern.

“I dunno, probably just the heat… I’m gonna give him a drink and a snack.” Anka opened her bag slightly and a small ferret-like animal poked his head from the bag, the fur around his eyes black. “Ooh, Yaryck, sweetie.” She scratched beneath his chin and he purred happily, though still seemed nervous, “What’s the matter?”

They’d entered the bathroom now and she ran the tap, allowing Yaryck to leap onto the counter and lap at the cool, refreshing water. Anka also brought a couple of chocolate chips from her bag and set them down, “Chocolate isn’t good for him.” Nami commented.

“Yes it is.” Anka replied, “He’s a special guy,” She stroked his silky fur with one hand and stopped the flow of water with the other as he scurried to the chocolate chips, shoving them all in his mouth before moving fluidly to Anka’s shoulder and rubbing his face against her jaw, “See? He’s happy now.” She smiled in relief, “Time to go back in the bag for a few minutes, sorry, Yaryck.” She apologized, easing him gently back down into her bag, “Okay… ready to go back out?”

“Yeah, may as well or we won’t know what room is ours…” Nami nodded, they slipped out of the bathroom, running right into Lu-Lu, who was grinning.

“What?” Anka demanded to know.

“You have him, don’t you?” Lu-Lu questioned; matter of fact.

“Who?” Anka played the fool.

“Yaryck, who else would you fit in that ragged bag of yours?” Lu-Lu crossed her arms.

“Who unchained you, anyway?” Anka shot back.

“Well, considering Nagi’s already safely locked away in his room… Lucas already promised himself to me and James promising me a drink later… Well, you know, I’m plenty happy.” Lu-Lu replied, “Besides, I’ve got our room key.”

“Where are we at?” Nami asked curiously.

“The best room in the place of course.” Lu-Lu winked, “I had my dad pay for it, just to keep Jade and Claudia from having the satisfaction of it. When they find out, they’ll flip. I ordered the room to be ready a week before Claudia got around to even looking for resorts.”

“Damn, wish I was rich enough to do that…” Anka muttered, “It was hell scraping together the cash for this trip…”

“Yoohoo, ladies.” Tristan moved quickly towards them, his dark hair flowing over his shoulders, “We’re ordering breakfast, any requests?”

The girls exchanged looks before replying simultaneously, “French Toast!”

“Make sure there’s some whipped cream and strawberry sauce.” Anka licked her lips hungrily, “Oh! And I wouldn’t mind some chocolate sauce as well…”

“And plenty of syrup.” Lu-Lu replied.

“Don’t forget the orange juice and milk!” Nami put in.

Tristan saluted, “Aye-aye.” He chuckled, “Room number?”

“333.” Lu-Lu replied evenly.

“Sweet! Me, Lucas, Conner, and Parlé have the room right across the hall!” Tristan grinned.

“What about… Nagi?” Nami cleared her throat, “And everybody else?”

“Well… The hag and her pet are on the other side of the building, Jade was prancing around saying she had the best room in the place.” Tristan started, missing the amused look shared between the girls, “Nagi, Drake, and James are about two rooms down from us. Jewel and Chloe… sadly, are pretty damn close to the hag…” Tristan made a face, “All a matter of reserving just a bit late… They tried switching their rooms, but it’d be expensive.”

“Aww… I feel bad for them…” Nami made a face, “Those poor girls…”

“Anyway, breakfast should be delivered right to your rooms. Word is we’re heading to the pool after eating. Jade wants a dip in the hot tub.” He made a face, “Why she wants to jump in a hot tub rather than go out in the sun is beyond me.”

“Maybe here it’s a cold tub.” Anka joked, and Lucas laughed.

“Either way we’ll get to cool off some before trekking to the museum.” Tristan replied, “Keep an eye on your schedules, they’ll try and spring stuff on you, like an early morning, if you’re not paying attention…”

“Will do.” Lu-Lu replied with a shrug, she fanned herself, “I hope the rooms are air-conditioned…” She muttered, “Better be anyway…”

“If anything you can have your dad furnish the place with air.” Anka joked.

“Hm… Maybe he’d throw in some hot male strippers too…” Lu-Lu stroked her chin thoughtfully.

“I’m kidding!” Anka exclaimed, “It’s not like we’re going to be here more than two or three days before heading up to the dig site for camping…”

They entered their room silently and simultaneously breathed sighs of relief as icy air blasted their hot, sweaty faces, “Ahhh…” Nami muttered in relief, collapsing on the soft surface of an overstuffed couch, “This is nice.”

“Grapes!” Anka gave a soft squeal of pleasure, plopping down into one of the chairs that surrounded a small dining table, she pulled the fruit from the basket and popped one into her mouth, “Mmm… it’s sweet.” She sighed in bliss.

“Hey, they actually did what I asked and put heavy draperies over the windows and balcony door!” Lu-Lu cheered, collapsing in a chair beside Nami and grabbing the remote to the television and flipping it on immediately.

They spent nearly ten minutes in this manner when there came a knock on the door, “Open up!~” James’ sing-song voice broke through the door.

Lu-Lu immediately leapt to her feet and unlocked their door, when she tugged it open she saw that there were seven people standing outside impatiently, “Um, hey guys, what’s up?”

“Breakfast.” Nagi said with a smile, “Figured we’d all at least enjoy each others’ company for a while…”

“Unless you guys want to eat in peace?” James intervened quickly.

“No, not at all!” Nami leapt up from her seat, “I just don’t know where we’re going to put you all…”

“Well, the rooms are kind of small…” Lucas commented, “I volunteer my lap for one of you beautiful ladies!”

“That’s not the problem…” Lu-Lu propped open the door and the group gaped at the large room before them.

“Wow! Let me tell you, Jade and Claudia thought that they got the best room… theirs is nothing like this!” James whistled appreciatively as the group cascaded inside.

Anka chuckled as bags of food were soon passed around. She, Lu-Lu, and Nami got the table since it was their room, the rest of the group scattered about the room. They enjoyed their food in silence, until Conner released a rather feminine squeal and leapt onto the arm of the couch, “Rat!” He screamed, pointing a shaky finger at the small creature that peered out at him from beneath the chair, “it wants to eat me!”

“Oh dear…” Anka leapt to her feet, “No, it’s not a rat, don’t panic!” She soothed, leaning over and picking him up, “It’s just Yaryck, he’s harmless, really.”

“Yar what?” Chloe cocked her head to the side, “What language is that?”

“What, I’m not allowed to be original naming my own pet?” Anka glowered.

“How… did you get that past security?” James questioned, gazing at Yaryck curiously, “Don’t tell me you’ve got another one of those cards…”

“Nah, I’m just a ninja.” Anka grinned, “I couldn’t leave Yaryck behind, and most people are a little… well, they wouldn’t approve of poor Yaryck…”

“Aw, he’s so cute!” Jewel stood, brushing her fingers over Yaryck’s thick, silky coat, “And soft!” She said, incredulous.

“So, no more being afraid of him, right?” Anka asked, “He’s only begging for food… You can give him scraps if you want, or shoo him away if he gets annoying…” She placed Yaryck back on the floor and moved fluidly back over to her chair.

“I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Claudia doesn’t know about your little… friend?” James sat back down as well, the commotion having ended.

“Um, no.” Anka replied, dipping a piece of French toast into a mixture of whipped cream, strawberry sauce, chocolate sauce, and syrup. She munched it hungrily, her face beaming with utter bliss.

“How can you eat that and not get fat?” Chloe asked, sighing enviously.

“High metabolism.” Anka replied, chugging some orange juice to clear her mouth.

“This is going to be an interesting two weeks.” Nagi commented, smiling as he fed Yaryck a strip of bacon.

“Memorable I’d say.” Lu-Lu replied, “So, we still getting some drinks tonight?” She asked James pointedly.

“I promised, didn’t I?” James quirked an eyebrow.

“Hell yes! Party in our room tonight!” Lu-Lu cheered brightly.

“Is that such a good idea?” Jewel asked, “I mean; we’ve got to be up at five tomorrow morning…”

“Ah, we’ll manage.” Lucas brushed her comment off, “Loosen up a little.”

Parlé finished his meal and returned the empty package of his burger to the bag, “What kind of person orders a burger for breakfast?” Chloe rolled her eyes.

“Hey, no fair, Conner has pizza!” Parlé whined, “Don’t pick on me…”

“We gonna go for that swim soon?” Lucas asked; his expression dreamy.

“I think I’m gonna go fully clothed.” Chloe muttered dryly.

“What!? No!” Lucas whined, “You can’t deprive me of your luscious body.”

“Don’t you worry.” Lu-Lu winked, “I’ll steal you away for a little bit.”

“Don’t forget-” James started, warning.

“This isn’t my first time.” Lu-Lu muttered, interrupting him.

James chuckled and stood, “Well… I’ve got to go meet with Claudia and see what the plan is today, since we’re ahead of schedule…”

“How much free time do we have?” Tristan demanded.

“Roughly three more hours.” James replied, gazing at his wristwatch, which was already set for the proper time.

The group cheered, bustling about to their proper rooms for swim suits and towels. “You really gonna put out to Lucas already?” Nami asked, incredulous as the door closed and they were once more alone.

Anka put a small bowl filled with milk down on the floor and Yaryck raced over to them joyously, licking syrup from his lips before lapping at the milk. “Nami, I’ve known him for two years.” Lu-Lu pointed out, “He’s a good fuck buddy, don’t ruin this for me with your virgin words.”

Nami blushed, “I-I’m just waiting for the right person!” She burst out, her hands pressing to her hot face, “I’m getting changed…” She took the opportunity to hurry away from them.

Anka giggled softly, “Hey, you have no room to giggle, missy.” Lu-Lu glared, “You two really need laid.”

“When it happens, it happens.” Nami replied, leering through the crack of the bathroom door.

“Said the virgin.” Lu-Lu grinned, stripping completely with no shame.

Nami emerged from the bathroom, ignoring Lu-Lu’s audacity. “You’re just promiscuous because nobody loves you.”

Lu-Lu ignored the spite in the comment, “No, I’m promiscuous because I can be and my fuck buddies are just plain fuckable.”

“It’s not like I could get laid even if I so desired.” Nami replied.

“Look at your damn hot body. You could get any man you wanted.” Lu-Lu motioned toward Nami’s nearly bare flesh in entirety.

“I am too afraid of the results of my interjecting opinions in this conversation.” Anka commented as she headed toward the bathroom.

“You’re hot too. You just don’t realize it yet. Although I do advise losing your virginity before we explore the pyramids.” Lu-Lu held up an index finger chidingly.

“Why is that?” Nami asked, cocking her head.

“The virgins always wind up the dead pharaoh’s wives or sacrifices to bring back their dead girlfriend who was married before him anyway.” Lu-Lu said as if it was blatantly obvious and common sense information.

“You need to stop watching so many movies.” Nami stared at Lu-Lu in disbelief.

“And as for waiting for the right man, right time, you need to get over the innocent act and just take my example.” Lu-Lu grinned proudly.

“Which absolutely perfect example should I idolize?” Nami muttered.

“Raping of Nagi.” Lu-Lu shrugged.

“How far did you get, honestly?” Nami replied, trying to hide jealous curiosity.

“Ask him. I don’t molest and tell.” Lu-Lu replied. “It goes against my honor and virtues code, you know.”

“Uh-huh. And I’m the pope.” Nami rolled her eyes.

“Well, it is a pleasure to meet you. I do believe you have groupies all over the world.” Lu-Lu said blandly. “Now, why not go ask Nagi how far our interrupted partook lust reached?”

“I don’t like to remind people of the reason they will wind up in a straight Jacket rocking back and forth in a corner while sucking their thumb in the fetal position—you know traumatizing events that forever change people by fear.” Nami replied.

“James has condoms, it’ll be smart to stock up. I mean, you lead him on and then do nothing. If I were him, you would have been raped the day I met you.” Lu-Lu honestly replied as she stretched out comfortably.

“You never cease to amaze me.” Nami wasn’t sure how to reply, even though she had known Lu-Lu for quite a while.

“You were being bullied and he helped you up, then he walked you home. It’s like one of those real lame stories with a lack of smut.” Lu-Lu rolled her eyes when she saw Nami flipping through a photo album. “Obsession.”

“I’m not looking at only Nagi’s pictures.” Nami defended herself. “I want to fill this up soon. We’ll have some great additions after the trip.”

“True. We need to totally get some pics of us getting nailed!” Lu-Lu cheered enthusiastically.

“You’re underage! That’s illegal! I’m not being arrested for child porn!” Nami shouted in awe.

“Wrong meaning of nailed…” Lu-Lu sighed deeply. “Either fuck Nagi, or keep your mind out of the gutter.”

“You drug me there!” Nami growled.

“The album again?” Anka rolled her eyes as she walked past.

“Oh, yes.” Lu-Lu filled Anka in on what she had missed.

“You say that like it’s my only hobby.” Nami replied with a leer for each of them.

“Let’s get going. I’m already sick of talking about Nami’s nonexistent sex life. I’ve been talking about it for so long, I actually grew my cherry back. Thanks.” Lu-Lu sighed, sitting up and sliding off of the bed.

“Think of it this way,” Anka joked, “Not many people get to lose their virginity a second time.”

“Tell me that joke again when you lose it the first.” Lu-Lu replied flatly.

“Where to?” Nami asked.

“To gather the cool people!” Lu-Lu charged out the door. The three of them were met with the preferred seven of the remaining nine. “To the map to find out where to go now!” Lu-Lu charged again down the hall.

“What are the plans for today, James?” Anka asked as they reluctantly followed the group down the hall.

“She mentioned a trip to the museum, and then we’re to attend a speech given by a famous archeologist, followed by intermission until we attend an educational film. Then from the moment we get back here until five in the morning we can get drunk.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Anka replied.

Nami slowed down to match James’ pace, “Got any more?”

James chuckled and touched his hand to hers, “Don’t traumatize Nagi when you do.”

“I doubt it’ll happen. This is just a precaution.” Nami shrugged.

“Should I signal you if he asks me for one too?” James asked, half serious.

“Amuse me, and do so subtly.” Nami made certain to clarify.

“Found it!” Lu-Lu yelled; two floors below them.

“How the hell’d she get down there so quickly?” Tristan looked over the banister, eyebrow raised.

“Well, there are two possibilities.” Jewel said, her tone serious, when the others leaned in to hear her explanation, she continued, “a- she jumped and used those massive boobs of hers to break the fall. Or b- she slid down the banister.”

“Or, c- she walked.” Chloe chuckled.

They made their way down the stairs after Lu-Lu who held open the door that led into the swimming area. “Oh, I so call a chance to sit in the hot tub before Jade and the ha- er, Claudia-“ Conner corrected himself, glancing over at James, who grinned and shook his head, “infect it…” He climbed into the steaming water with a sigh, “It actually feels good since we’ve been in the air conditioning for a while…”

“I’m up for a race.” Anka grinned mischievously.

“I’m in!” Nami chimed.

“Oh, me too!” Lucas exclaimed, secretly rubbing his hands together with a plot in mind.

“Hell, I’m in.” Lu-Lu muttered, setting her things down.

The group positioned themselves at the edge of the pool, Lucas wandering behind each of the girls and secretively loosening the straps to their bikinis before taking his position at the end of the row. “James, will you judge?” Nami begged.

“Eh, sure, why not.” James shrugged and positioned himself on the edge of the pool, “Ready? Go!” He exclaimed, and they dove into the water immediately.

James followed the frothing water, noticing that Lucas was moving at an angle. Nami was the first to pop up from the water, gasping, “Lucas you pervert!” She exclaimed, flushing red as her fingers moved immediately over her exposed breasts.

Anka was the next to rise, barely a second later, with the same phrase escaping her tongue and arms covering herself modestly. Lu-Lu rose last, practically purring, “Alright, let’s go, Lucas!” She exclaimed, grabbing him and dragging him nonchalantly to the ladder.

“Thank you god.” James murmured, gazing at the ceiling.

“Let’s thank more than God.” Drake muttered, still holding his sunglasses in hand, just off of the bridge of his nose.

“Thank you Lucas…” Nagi muttered, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“Excellent point.” Parlé snapped his fingers, “Thank you Lucas!”

“That’s a tid bit blasphemous.” Jade’s voice boomed from behind them.

“No, you see…God made gravity and Lucas was the assist.” Parlé explained.

Drake took one look at them and looked away repulsed, “Good, God…who let you two wear bathing suits?”

“What are you doing?” Claudia glanced down at Nami and Anka in time to see them manage to recover their clothing. “Go to your rooms at once! Neither of you can go on the trip today! Punishment will be handed out when I think of it.”

“You can’t punish them. It was an accident. They hit the water too fast and their tops weren’t tied tight enough.” James interjected.

“Or not at all?” Jade growled.

“I doubt that it wasn’t intentional. These two are chronic troublemakers, and showing off their ‘goodies’-” She received raucous laughter from most of the students present, who were only silenced by her vehement glare, “I won’t allow such promiscuous behavior on my trip. Now then, out of the water, girls.”

“You’re going to leave two girls here, unattended?” Jade asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Excellent point. If they leave the building today, they will be sent home immediately. I’ll have security watch them very closely.” Claudia glowered at the two who were headed back to their room, hanging their heads.

“That bastard just got two hot girls in trouble…” James whispered to the boys.

“He totally gets beer instead of liquor.” Tristan muttered.

“Agreed.” James nodded before breaking the huddle to return to the room.

“You’re all not being punished…” Jade replied to their immediate absence.

“If we were to stay there, we would be!” Drake shouted back at Jade. “I really hate being the one with no shame. Lucas needs to get done soon.” Drake sighed to the group.

The girls sat in their bikinis, reluctant to answer the knock at the door. The preferred five of the group were present and accounted for as they entered the room. “We’re taking a liquor list.” James smiled as the door crept shut.

“Anything to make us forget that we have to deal with that unfair hag for the next two weeks.” Nami muttered, stretching out on the bed.

“You’ll get the bed wet…” Nagi muttered, blushing when he caught the sexual innuendo.

“I don’t care. This is Lu-Lu’s bed and she abandoned us.” Nami sat up, patting on the bed for any who chose to join her. Nagi, Anka and Chloe all joined her immediately.

“Paper and pen are on the table by the T.V.” Anka muttered, signaling to whoever chose to be the stenographer for the group.

Tristan obeyed her and looked up eagerly at the group.

Vodka! Fire water! Whiskey! Wine! Beer for Lucas!—were all shouted at random.

“And we’ll take care of the two bitches that aren’t accepted by the group.” Nami interjected thoughtfully.

“So that we can include Lu-Lu?” Chloe asked.

“Precisely.” Drake replied, playing with random objects in the room.

“So, how did you guys get such an expensive room and out-do the icky queens?” Parlé shuddered in disgust.

“Lu-Lu.” Nami and Anka replied in chorus.

“We should have sleepovers.” Nagi muttered, glancing over at the bed with the black boots at the foot.

“They would be against the rules of separating the sexes.” James replied, taking the list from Tristan.

“Awe…” the group pouted.

“So we’ll have to do that when the two are drugged.” James added.

“How do you plan on getting anything good enough to take down a dragon?” Drake asked in pure curiosity.

“The black market is on speed dial. And Lu-Lu has several credit cards.” Nami replied.

“That is the most unexpected coincidence that I have ever encountered.” James laughed.

“That’s what we said too.” Anka murmured as the door knob turned slowly.

Lu-Lu and Lucas entered, soaking wet and looking as if they just saw a ghost.

“I hope the fucking condom broke!” Nami and Anka chorused.

“What’s a condom?” Lucas asked honestly.

“You know—the excuse that you’re not that hoe’s baby’s daddy.” Jewel’s thoughtful silence finally broke.

“You were deep in thought to come up with that clever quip?” Chloe raised an eyebrow.

“No, you guys are just so amusing. I had no reason to entertain anybody.” Jewel muttered

“I can’t believe that you would wish that upon me!” Lu-Lu cried innocently. She came to her senses and shut the door. She finally realized that they were all still wet, “Get the fuck off of my bed! I’m the only one going to make it wet!”

“Apparently not.” Nagi replied, joining the group on the bed.

“Give us a credit card or we get no party.” Anka held out her hand expectantly.

“It’s in my suit case where the panties would normally go.” Lu-Lu replied.

“Why would you hide it there?” Conner asked, glancing up from his perverse virgin staring.

“It’s Lu-Lu. Who would think that the panty compartment is used?” Drake replied.

“Very clever and logical.” James nodded. “Although we have to start getting ready for the god-forsaken trip with…them…”

Parlé handed one of Lu-Lu’s credit cards to James and the other to Anka.

“You got some serious audacity.” Chloe muttered, amused by Parlé.

“And issues…” Nagi added, nearly under his breath.

Another knock at the door signaled the better language and lack of fun, “Five minutes to get ready.”

“Alright!” Lu-Lu shouted in reply.

Claudia’s voice echoed through the room, “Now, Jade…Isn’t Lu-Lu such a sweet and reserved girl?”

“I think she is seriously fucked in the head.” Lu-Lu shook her head amused.

“Does anybody else think that they’re really married and they have weird and kinky sex lives that would creep the most perverse porn addict into the asylums?” Lucas asked, nonchalantly.

“Okay, you and Parlé are tied with stupidity and issues at the moment.” Nagi shook his head in disbelief.

James signaled for the rest to follow him as he left. One by one, including Lu-Lu who hurried to get changed on her way out the door followed, leaving Nami and Anka sad and lonely for the bit.

Act 1 Part III:
“Come on, bitches!” Lu-Lu called.

“They’re not going since Lucas loosened their tops and Claudia and Jade entered to see them attempt to cover their…erm…beauty…” Nagi muttered.

“You mean wonderful gifts from Lucas and God.” James corrected.

“No, you mean their ‘goodies’…” Drake mocked Claudia.

“Are you going to give her a goodbye virgin hug?” Lu-Lu teased Nagi in the circle that formed in the middle of the three rooms.

“You have no integrity, do you?” Nagi glanced back toward Nami, flushed.

“Everybody knows that I don’t.” Lu-Lu shrugged.

“You shouldn’t tease the virgins.” Drake replied. “You do know what they say, right?”

“Not a clue.” Lu-Lu muttered.

“What?—That nice guys finish last?” Jewel interjected.

“Obviously. He still has no action under his belt.” Lu-Lu replied.

“No no no no…” James stopped her, “Finish Last…”

“Ohhh…” Lu-Lu nodded at the punch line. “You should kiss her…or something. She likes you, and she’s afraid to admit it. Be romantic. All of those impulses that you want to act upon are natural and craved by her more than anything.” Lu-Lu whispered.

Lu-Lu lead everybody but Nagi toward the elevator. Nagi blinked in awe when he saw Nami, still cuddled in a ball on the bed. He quickly started into her room, hoping that she didn’t hear the conversation. He rolled her over and kissed her warmly as he hovered above her. “Nagi?” Nami blinked in awe.

“I’ll see you when we get back.” Nagi kissed her again and left her without glancing back for a second look.

“That was not Nagi Williams…” Anka muttered, towel in hand.

“Lu-Lu or Lucas possessed him…” Nami muttered.

“So, how was it?” Anka quickly joined her on the bed.

“As great as his body.” Nami replied, still blushing.

“Pervert…” Anka taunted her as she hit her with a pillow.

“He was topless, and I looked…” Nami defended herself.

“I have a feeling that he didn’t miss your show either.” Anka rolled her eyes and leaned over toward the phone.

“Order a pizza and some salads with low-fat dressing after you order the roofies.” Nami said, casually looking through Lu-Lu’s possessions.

“What are you doing?” Anka pressed down on the button to hear a dial tone.

“Looking for a bribe for the guy to not put us on the black market’s mailing list.” Nami replied blankly.

“And what of Lu-Lu’s is going to suffice for that?” Anka asked, curious.

“Her porn.”

“Anything good?” Anka asked eagerly.

“Auto-porn.” Nami replied.

“Self porn or the pictures of nude women spread eagle on the hood of a car?” Anka asked completely casually.

“A cross breed of double auto.” Nami replied holding up pictures of Lu-Lu nude on the hood of a Lamborghini.

“Nice.” Anka shook her head amused.

A dark voice came into the phone shortly after Anka hit the number 6. “You’s need some candy for some kids?”

“I need a form of candy that can make some annoying kids go to sleep for a few days.” Anka replied.

“We gots a chocolate or a chestnut flavored type of candy.” The voice explained.

“Chestnut please. Can a kilo of that be delivered to room 333 at the Cairo Shimmer Hotel? Don’t worry about the cost. I have my Daddy’s credit card.” Anka replied in a hurry.

“It be there in 10 to 20 minutes. If not, it free.”

“Thank you very much.” Anka grinned.

“Big Louie will ask you to use the phone since his business partner locked theirs in the room. You say yes. He stays in there long enough time to make phone call then you both never heard of each other.”

“Got it.” Anka replied. “Good bye.”

“Now for the pizza, salads, dressing and chestnuts.” Nami said, hanging up the phone and pressing five for room service.

“Room service?” a young man asked.

“Can I get three large pizzas, one supreme, one meat lovers and one veggie lovers as well as two medium salads with low fat dressing and some fresh cut chestnuts?” Anka asked.

“Right away. And this is to room 333?”

“Yes, thank you.” Anka hung up the phone and lay on the bed. “He sounded hot.”

“Probably is.” Nami replied calmly.

“Nagi?” Anka asked.

“Yes’m.” Nami replied. “Is it that obvious?”

“There’s like a bell that goes off in your mind when you’re thinking about him.” Anka smiled as Nami curled into a ball and sighed.

“Torn between his cuteness and your morals again?” Anka asked, scooting down toward Nami’s ball of sulking.

“Yes—“ Nami sighed. “Kind of ironic that we’re drugging two people so we can party and my moral dilemma is about being in love and being the unique person that waits until she’s married and doesn’t care to look at anybody but the man she loves.”

“You want to be a fairytale Goth princess?” Anka asked playfully.

“More or less.” Nami sighed.

“I’ll tell James to tell Nagi to just propose to you.” Anka pulled out her cell phone and quickly began texting the message.

“You wouldn’t.” Nami said, still relaxed.

“To James…” Anka whispered.

“You love me too much.” Nami said with less confidence than the last statement.

“Drop the damn phone!” Nami lunged for Anka who leapt to the floor and ran into the bathroom.

“The signal is sending it!”

Nami growled, pounding on the bathroom door.

“The phone is upside down…” Anka chimed the running commentary. The bathroom door immediately opened and Anka stood, holding out her cell phone. “Check the sent.”

Nami dropped the phone when she saw the sent message to both James and Nagi. “I am going to kill you.”

“Nope.” Anka said proudly. “I changed the names to mess with you.”

“Then who received the text message?” Nami asked.

“Lu-Lu.” Anka replied.

“Okay; and…?” Nami muttered.

“Lucas.”

“I’m really going to kill you now!” Nami replied in a growl.

There came a knock at the door and Anka cheered, “I’ll get it!” She dodged Nami’s groping fingers and tugged open the door, “Yes?”

“Would yous ladies mind if I used the phone?” A man in a dark suit with a fedora pulled over his eyes stood in the doorway, “My business partner locked ours in the room…”

“Um, sure, come on in.” Anka stood back from the door and he entered.

“Ha! You’re two minutes late! We get it free.” Nami cheered; her voice barely above a whisper.

“So… got our product, Big Louie?” Anka questioned, holding her hand out expectantly.

He grumbled as he reached into his coat and pulled out a bag, “Here yous go. We’re good to our words, free of charge.”

“Aw, we wouldn’t let you go empty handed.” Nami ran over to the bed and picked up Lu-Lu’s stack of porn, “Here you go.” She said cheerfully, handing them to him.

“We thanks you kindly for your patronage.” Louie said, “Now I leave. We never met.”

“Never.” Anka nodded as he backed out of the room, “Now… when is the food going to get here? I’m starving…”

Later that same afternoon found the two girls approaching Jade and Claudia’s room with their peace offerings. Nami knocked softly.

“Come in!” Claudia’s flustered voice echoed into the hallway.

Anka pulled the door open and she and Nami entered into the pits of hell. “Oh, you two…” Claudia muttered, toweling off her damp hair, “What do you girls want?”

“We want nothing more than to apologize for our immodesty in the pool.” Anka muttered sweetly, “We even brought you two something to eat. Surely you must be starving after a hot day spent in the sun.”

They held up the wrapped salads, and Claudia frowned for a moment, looking between them, “I wouldn’t trust food from them. They probably poisoned it.” Jade sneered, exiting the bathroom in a silky pink bathrobe.

“Don’t be silly, Jade.” Claudia lifted the lids on the salads, “The seals weren’t even broken… What’s in here?” She sniffed at the salad delicately.

“Anything a salad could ask for.” Nami shrugged, “We even told them to add a hint of chestnut- since the both of you love it so much.”

“Chestnut?” Jade peered over Claudia’s shoulder, still suspicious about the salads, though her hunger was getting the better of her.

“Enjoy.” Anka smiled as Claudia and Jade each took one of the salads and delved into the food hungrily.

“Mm, this is good.” Jade commented, her tone still held suspicion, but it was fading, “Glad to see you two are finally coming around.” She smirked.

“You two will still remain in your rooms for another day.” Claudia said between bites, “And I expect a full letter of apology from the both of you.”

“No problem, ma’am, we’ll get right on that.” Nami replied, “Goodbye, enjoy those salads.”

She received no answer as she and Anka slipped into the hallway and eased the door closed. They stood there for roughly five minutes, listening to the conversation between Jade and Claudia, “I’m sleepy…” Jade yawned loudly, “I’m gonna get some rest.”

“I quite agree.” Claudia murmured, “It’s been a long day, and it’ll be an early morning.”

The springs on their beds creaked, and soon no other sound was heard. “Success.” Nami hissed, easing the door open and stepping back in.

She and Anka took the salad containers to be burned later and grabbed a do not disturb sign. They locked the door behind them and hung the sign over the knob, “That should keep any maids or whatever from discovering them…” Anka chuckled, “Let’s get back to the others; I’m sure they’re dying to hear that our party is now a go.”

The two girls skipped back down the hall to their room, where the others had gathered, “So, um, Nami, what is this about us getting married?” Lucas asked, showing her the message that Anka had sent earlier that day.

“Ah, that was just… Anka playing a prank.” Nami shot Anka a glare, “Anyway, who cares? Jade and the Hag are out, it’s time to party!”

“Really? I even picked out my tuxedo…” Lucas’ tone was saddened as he dropped a bridal magazine to the floor.

“You were going to marry her on a whim?” Nagi asked suspiciously.

“If you heard that Nami wanted to marry you, wouldn’t you start looking for places to go on your honeymoon and where to have the reception…?” Lucas asked dreamily.

“Ummm…” Nagi trailed off, his face reddened with embarrassment.

“Have a damn drink.” Drake threw a beer bottle at Lucas who gladly accepted.

Everybody began quickly opening their alcohol and taking shots and playing some drinking games. Lucas, Lu-Lu, Drake, Chloe and Conner were all indulging in strip poker as James watched intently.

Parlé, Anka, Tristan, Jewel, Nagi and Nami all sat around and were just discussing further actions, life and were starting onto the topic of love.

“You gorgeous ladies don’t seem to like the Lucas type…so how about giving us some hints on how to win your affections?” Parlé asked, swaying drunkenly.

“Just be altruistic, warm, sensitive, mysterious, brusque, loyal and persistent.” Nami said, not taking her eyes off of Nagi.

“So…the perverse things that Lucas does won’t get us girls like you?” Tristan asked in disbelief.

“Nope.” Jewel put her two cents in the conversation.

“Do you even like anybody?” Nagi asked, staring down at the blanket as if the question had only hopeless results as a reply.

“Maybe…” Jewel muttered, glancing over at Tristan for a split second before looking at Anka expectantly.

“I’ll never tell.” Anka giggled.

“Nami will tell us.” Parlé muttered, turning toward Nami.

“Perhaps.” Nami smiled as she thought about the kiss between herself and Nagi earlier that day.

“That’s a yes.” Chloe joined them as she collapsed onto Nami’s lap.

“Parlé?” Chloe asked.

“Yes, I do.” Parlé replied boldly.

“Likewise.” Tristan muttered.

“And the yeses continue.” Conner muttered.

“I might like somebody…but I doubt it.” Nagi muttered. “Like has never been so strong. I think that it is something more…”

Nami’s face flushed when she heard his reply. Their kiss replayed in her mind once again. Everything that hinted toward their relationship pushed her thoughts along the course to make a move. “I need some fresh air…” Nami explained as she scooted off of the bed and headed out the door with a card key in hand.

Nami began to pace about in the small courtyard that was laid artfully before their hotel. She saw their room’s balcony when she looked up at the sky. Nagi wandered out without his drink and began gazing into the distance. He seemed to be fixated on his thoughts. Her curiosity made her head toward the balcony. She climbed the fire escape and was about to surprise him with an affectionate hug and maybe a kiss when she heard him mutter her name.

“I’m sorry if I was too bold earlier today…. If I was, I just want you to tell me.... Being bold and impulsive wasn’t on the list you gave me of how to impress you and I don’t know much else more than what I’ve seen in the movies.” Nagi muttered.

“Nagi…” Nami murmured as she slowly continued toward him.

He turned in surprise to see her and was immediately embarrassed. “Nami…”

“You give great soliloquies.” Nami muttered as she laid her head on his chest.

“It wasn’t a soliloquy if somebody heard me.” Nagi blushed as she embraced him affectionately and he returned the affection.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s bad that I heard you.” Nami smiled.

Nagi read her expression and was even more embarrassed, “So…can we talk?”

“You weren’t too bold with the kiss. You’re a great kisser and you should do it more often.” Nami said before she forced a kiss upon him. Nagi accepted her kiss and held her tightly, running his fingers through her hair. She forced him against the side of the building and was ripping away at his buttoned shirt. He gladly helped her and pressed her nearly nude body to his. Her smell and her audacity were both undeniable turn-ons to him.

“Damn…” Nagi muttered, panting heavily. “Can this be a wake-up call?”

“If you can manage to get me into bed tonight…” Nami replied, running her nails down his bare chest.

“Get you into bed now?” Nagi asked in surprise. He had to admit that he was quite satisfied with finally letting himself go and expressing his feelings for Nami physically like Lu-Lu said he would. Her returning the affection was just as great a gift. He wanted so badly to make her his, but he couldn’t do it.

“Yes, tonight.” Nami muttered before kissing Nagi again.

“We’re both really drunk…” Nagi pointed out to her.

“And we’re both shy. When else are we going to both not be so shy about it?” Nami asked as she unzipped Nagi’s pants.

“Nami, I love you and I want you so badly right now—you have no idea…but I refuse to make love to you when you’re drunk and not in the right state of mind to make decisions.” Nagi replied.

“Did I do something wrong?” Nami asked in a whimper.

“No, I just—I love you. I would rather you remember everything I’m doing to you.” Nagi explained before he kissed her again.

“You’re still baiting me…” Nami muttered.

“I still want you.” Nagi countered. “Any chance you’ll take the bait after we sober up a bit?” Nagi wondered as he headed toward the edge of the balcony.

“Are you serious?” Nami asked in a scornful tone. Nagi’s heart fell to his feet. “Any man who puts his virtues over his nature for me has my trust any day.”

Nagi’s grin was more charming after hearing her words. Something clicked inside of him that gave him more confidence. “In the mean time…” Nagi held up the card key to his bedroom that he shared with Drake and James. “James will sleep with Lu-Lu again so he’ll be here and Drake will spend the night in the hot tub with Jewel. James is so drunk and Drake planned that.”

“So…” Nami blushed playfully.

“I want to make my Lu-Lu inspired jerkiness up to you properly.” Nagi baited her again. “You know I’ll stop if you get uncomfortable.”

“I know.” Nami took his hand and was lead through the crowd of people who were watching in awe.

“Drake, James…” Nagi called out to them. Both of them met his eyes, “Don’t bother coming back tonight. Nami and I have the room.”

Both men and the rest of the crowd were speechless as Nagi shut the door behind himself and continued toward Nami who was waiting in the doorway in only her bikini. “So, how are you going to make it up to me?”

“Damn…you bring out the worst in me, Nami…” Nagi replied as he shut the door behind them again and joined her on the bed. He leaned into a kiss and began snuggling closer to her. She returned the kissing and completely pulled him down onto her. Nagi replied by pulling her bikini top off and completely losing his shirt and pants as well. He began kissing her gently everywhere and slowly caressing her silky white skin with his beautiful fingers.

“Oh, Nagi…” Nami kissed his neck and forced his balance a bit more aloof as his nerves twitched to her slight kissing. “Are you going to sell yourself short?”

“Nah, I think I’m pretty indefatigable.” Nagi smirked as her nails caressed his hips. She kissed him and began pulling off her bikini bottom. And hinting at the removal of his boxers. “I…uhhh…” Nagi’s eyes almost rolled to the back of his head as her hands traveled his body with grace.

“Wanna prove it?” Nami asked as she pulled him on top of her and forced a kiss again.

“You have no idea…” Nagi kissed her softly as his body met hers.

“Nami!~” Anka giggled as she pulled open the door, a bottle of vodka clasped in her hands. She stumbled into the room, and when she saw the awkward position that they were in, she giggled again, “You were plannin’ to do it, eh?” She slurred.

Nami blushed, “Anka!” She hissed.

“I was only bringin’ you more liquor…” Anka pouted, “It’s a party!” She brought the bottle to her lips, taking a long drought, stumbling back into the doorway, “Want some?”

Nagi sighed, “How did you even get in here, Anka? I locked the door…”

“You did?” Anka blinked and looked back at the door; she twisted the handle, “Why! I’ll be,” She said in honest astonishment, “It is locked!”

“Then how did you open it?” Nami muttered through gritted teeth.

Anka scratched her head thoughtfully and approached the bed. She sat at the foot and put her fist against her jaw. A moment later she turned to face them, sitting cross-legged, “I honestly can’t remember…”

“Anka, sweetie, wouldn’t you be more comfortable in your own bed?” Nami said slowly.

“Are you kidding? Lu-Lu’s in the middle of… well, you know…” Anka shook her head, “Threatened to tie me up and force me to watch…”

“So you came over here?” Nami shook her head, exasperated, and took the bottle from Anka’s proffered hand and drinking heavily.

“Of course!” Anka produced another bottle from behind her back.

“’the hell were you hiding that?” Nagi blinked in surprise as she uncorked it and took a sip.

“What, jealous that you don’t have your own?” Anka swayed the bottle before his face and his eyes followed the swirling contents, “Here…” She tossed him the bottle.

Early the next morning found Nagi waking to hushed whispers. “What’s going on?” He blinked, pulling a pillow away from his eyes and immediately wishing he hadn’t as the brilliant fluorescent light overhead flooded his eyes.

“Looks like you got lucky last night.” Lucas crowed, leaning on Conner’s shoulder in amusement.

“What’re you talking about?” Nagi rubbed the sleep from his eyes, trying to keep from dropping back into a drunken stupor.

“I thought I had a good time last night!” It was Lu-Lu’s voice that broke through next.

“What are all of you doing in here?” Nagi shook his head in disbelief as he finally took in the scene.

Lu-Lu, Lucas, Jewel, Chloe, Drake, Tristan. Parlé, Conner, and James, they stood, balanced upon one another and wearing amused looks upon their faces. Tristan winked, “Gotta congratulate you, man.”

“I don’t underst-” Nagi stopped mid-sentence as his hands came in contact with flesh.

He glanced down and realized that two arms stretched across his bare torso. Nagi felt his face grow hot as he first looked to his left to notice Nami, and then to the right to see none other than Anka, cradling a half-empty bottle of vodka in her free hand. “Ah, no you misunderstand!” He exclaimed, his heart beating fiercely in his chest.

“Come now, no need to be ashamed!” James grinned, “I should hope though… that you used protection?”

Nami sighed, rubbing her eyes sleepily and pulling herself into a sitting position. Anka mirrored her actions, yawning softly. The group erupted into cheers, whistles, and perverse commentation, “Do the lot of you have any idea how bloody noisy you are?” Anka murmured; throwing the pillow that rested beneath her.

She lifted the bottle to her lips and drank a quarter of the remaining contents, “And shut out that light, I’m sleepy…” Nami muttered, burying her face in the blankets.

“We were gonna go out for supper.” Jewel stressed the word, “It’s almost dark out you know… And we leave tomorrow for the dig site.”

“What time is it?” Anka demanded.

“It’s nearly 6.” Chloe shrugged, massaging her temple, “Half of us only just woke up ourselves.”

“Let me tell you, it was amusing and hard to believe when Drake came running down the hall, exclaiming that Nagi had somehow ended up bedding you two…” Conner grinned.

“Wait- what?” Anka demanded in disbelief, the bottle slipping down into her lap, “You’ve got to be kidding me… we slept with him, but we didn’t sleep with him…”

“That makes a lot of sense…” Lucas laughed.

“Let’s get some dinner…” Anka growled, leaping from the bed, swaying drunkenly and nearly losing her grip on the bottle of vodka.

As she passed Lucas she gave him a good crack to the back of the head, nearly flooring him, “Make sense now?” She asked sweetly.

“Jeez, can’t a girl spend the night in the same bed as a boy and not be accused of having sex?” Nami demanded, biting back the rest of her comment.

She stood as well, “I’m going to get a shower before Anka steals all the hot water.” With those words, Nami fled the room.

“Well, that wasn’t much fun…” James shook his head, bemused, “Alright, students, we need to get ourselves bathed and prepped for a nice supper.”

“You think we’ll be able to spare a short while for shopping?” Lu-Lu questioned, curious.

“Anything’s possible.” James shrugged, “So long as none of you are drunk enough to make fools of yourselves in public.”

Lu-Lu watched him go, grinning, “Five.” She breathed dreamily as she passed Chloe.

“Five what?” Chloe asked, confused.

“He fucked me five times last night.” She clarified.

Drake shook his head, “The poor man… Doesn’t even realize he’s doing it… It’s like… he’s a completely different person when he’s drunk…”

Jewel sighed, stretching, “I’m gonna go get dressed then.” She murmured, “Coming, Chloe?”

“I could use a nice, hot shower.” Chloe nodded, “See you guys in a few, okay?”

Conner, Parlé, Lucas, and Tristan excused themselves to their room next, leaving Drake and Nagi the only two in the room, “Where was James headed?” Nagi asked, curiously.

“To check up on our two sleeping beauties.” Drake snorted, “Making sure that those drugs aren’t having any negative affects or anything…”

“Ah…” Nagi nodded, standing at last.

“So… last night…?” Drake prodded.

“Nothing happened.” Nagi stated dryly, willing away the blush that threatened to taint his creamy features, “Nami and I… we were… together when Anka burst in. I remember we were drinking… And the next thing I knew, we were rudely awoken to you lot.”

Drake shook his head, “Man, you’re the only guy I know that wouldn’t take advantage of a couple of drunk girls.”

“That’s because I’ve got honor and integrity.” Nagi replied, digging his suitcase out from under his bed, “Where’re we going anyway?”

“None of us really knows.” Drake shrugged, digging through his own bags, “We’re going to wander around town until we find something we like.”

“Wandering around town and our own drunk and or hung over behavior doesn’t seem like it would mix properly.” Nagi stated, “I think we should get some coffee into ourselves first…”

“What, and ruin the buzz? No way.” Drake muttered, shaking his head, “No way.”

“So how’d you fare last night?” Nagi asked curiously.

“Ah, Jewel finally decided we were ready for the next step.” Drake winked, “In other words, she decided that she was ready for sex…”

“You… slept with her?” Nagi was incredulous.

“Hey, don’t act like we were the virgins.” Drake muttered, embarrassed.

“Come on, Anka; get out of the tub already!” Nami whined from the other side of the bathroom door, “Don’t make me come in there…”

“What, I’m not allowed to enjoy the hot water?” Anka’s voice filtered out to her.

Nami tugged open the door, blinking in the steamy bathroom, “At least tell me you’re almost done…” She muttered, setting her things down.

“You’re impatient.” Anka peered around the shower curtain, her fair blue hair fading through the black dye.

“Um, looks like the color’s wearing off…” Nami pointed.

Anka gasped, pouting, “Oh, this isn’t fair! Why won’t hair dye work properly?!”

“You should come to terms with it…” Nami shrugged, “Chloe and Parlé have odd hair colors, and they flaunt it.”

“That’s different.” Anka leered, “Chloe’s hair is platinum blond- a natural enough color, even if it does appear to be silver… As for Parlé- what’s so weird about his hair? It’s red for crying out loud.”

“You could always pretend you colored it blue for a fashion statement.” Nami pointed out, thrusting Anka’s towel at her and dragging her out of the shower, “My turn.” She quickly stripped and leapt into the steamy water.

“A fashion statement? Are you crazy?” Anka lifted her hair, gazing at it wistfully, “Ever since I was little my parents kept it covered with some normal color or other… Lately though… Lately nothing works!” She moaned, “As much as I am amused by my natural color… it draws too much attention to me.”

“Come now, Anka, I like your natural color, so do Lu-Lu and Yaryck.” Nami pointed out, humming softly to herself.

Anka sighed and dried off her flesh, “Either way… I have no choice but to deal with it until I can get some more dye.” She cleared off the mirror to look at her hair, “There’s not a speck of the black left…” She murmured in amazement, “It’s like it washed right out…”

“Probably did.” Nami chuckled.

“Glad one of us is amused…” She said dryly, quickly throwing on her clothes- a pair of black leather pants and a black spaghetti strap shirt. Anka ran her fingers through her damp hair, pulling it back into a tight bun at the base of her neck, “You think anyone’ll notice if I wear a hat?” She asked.

Nami flipped off the water, “Just let them see you for the real you.” She said tersely, “Hand me a towel.”

Anka pulled a towel from the rack and tossed it to Nami, “I’m gonna go find my shoes… and get Yaryck something to eat.” She closed the door as she left the bathroom.

“Color wear off already?” Lu-Lu whistled, amused.

“Hush.” Anka muttered, digging in her bags and drawing out a small package, “Yaryck!” She called, cooing for the small animal affectionately as she pulled on a hat.

Yaryck peeped his head from beneath the comforter upon Anka’s bed, his nose twitching hungrily as Anka held out his food, “Here you are, sweetie… Sorry you went the day without it.” Anka petted him when he ran over and delved in hungrily.

Anka then knelt beneath her bed and dug around for her boots, emerging victorious after only a few seconds. Nami exited the bathroom, running a brush through her hair, and sat on her bed with a contented sigh. Nami wore a simple pair of jeans and her favorite band tee, “So, what do we have left to drink?” She asked, curious.

“A few wine coolers, I think.” Lu-Lu said, digging through the fridge and emerging with a few strawberry daiquiris, one she handed to Nami, another to Anka, and the third she took a refreshing drink of herself.

“Wonder when the others’ll be ready to leave.” Anka murmured, peering out into the hall curiously, “Ah, just in time… Looks like James is rounding everyone up. Come on you two.” She called back into the room.

Nami and Lu-Lu followed, taking their keycards with them and locking the door. “This’ll be an interesting night.” Lu-Lu commented, “What do you think the hag will say when she wakes up tomorrow to find that we’re all already at the dig site?”

“She might be mad.” Nami shrugged, “Unless they wake to their own personal masseurs, an extra week’s pay for the hotel, and the knowledge that they’ll be moving to the best room?”

“I’ll get on that tonight.” Lu-Lu grinned, “Maybe hire a few strippers… Those two need laid big time.”

Anka made a face, sipping at her wine cooler, “That’s just gross… Jade, maybe, but Claudia?” She shuddered.

Lu-Lu and Nami laughed with her as they caught up with the group and headed down to the lobby. “What’s so funny?” James asked curiously.

“Just plotting.” Nami grinned playfully, winking, “So, the plan for tonight is…?”

James shrugged, “Figured we’d wing it. We’ll have to go to bed at a decent hour tonight… We leave for the dig site at noon.”

“Aw, does that mean no party?” Tristan pouted, “But last night was so fun…”

“Yeah, well, we can’t afford another night spent like this.” James replied, “We need to get some actual work done or we’d have wasted our money coming over here.”

“Wow, you actually sound like you’re chiding us.” Jewel shook her head in disbelief.

“No way, that’s not like him.” Tristan shook his head.

James grimaced, “Somebody’s got to be the adult sometime…” He muttered, running his fingers through his hair in embarrassment.

“Well… can we at least have sleepovers tonight?” Lucas demanded to know.

“If you behave.” James winked, “Of course I’ll have to make sure you kids don’t do anything stupid…”

“Like what, get ourselves pregnant?” Chloe snorted, “Not gonna happen.”

“Seriously.” Conner muttered, “We’re not children you know…”

“What kind of teacher would I be if I didn’t remind you of these things sometimes?” James pouted.

“A good one?” Anka suggested, “Most teachers wouldn’t allow the sort of things you do…”

“Come now, I can’t be so… normal.” James pouted.

“Ain’t that the truth…” Lucas chuckled, the others couldn’t help but to agree, their night was spent in amusement, and at last the group returned to the hotel, ready for sleep.

Act 2
They spent nearly two hours aboard the hot bus that was to lead them out to the dig site, most of the group still sleepy or hung over from the alcohol they’d consumed the previous evening. They’d remained true to their word, however, and gone to bed at a decent hour. “You got yerself a well behaved lot.” The driver commented, glancing at James through the rearview mirror.

James chuckled, “Well behaved? Maybe… It’s been a rather long couple of days mind you, they’re quite exhausted, we’ve had a lot to do.”

“Ah…” the driver muttered, “So that crone from America is back again this year?”

“You know Claudia?” James blinked in surprise.

“Comes every year er two…” The driver replied, “Never stops complaining… Makes me wonder why she even bothers coming out here. Where is she anyway?”

“Decided to spend a few days more at the hotel… Had us go on ahead of her.” James replied with a shrug.

The driver laughed loudly, amused, “So maybe she’s learnin’ after all. How ‘bout that, we’re here!” He called.

The class cheered, glad to have the opportunity to move around again. They peered out through the windows at row upon row of tents, ranging from very small to banquet tents. There were very few people wandering around the camp. The bus slowed to a stop, and they were met by a tall, dark skinned man, “I assume that you lot are the class from America?” His voice held only the smallest hint of an unidentifiable accent.

James stood to greet him, “Doctor James O’Neil.” He thrust out his hand.

“Victor.” The man replied, shaking his hand vigorously, “No need to be so formal. Ah! I see that Miss Claudia is not here with you today?” He took in the faces of all those present.

“Alas, she’s decided to remain at the hotel for a few more days with her star pupil, Jade.” James replied, shaking his head.

“Thank Allah*!” Victor exclaimed, lifting his hands to the sky, “That woman is a true terror…”

“Does everyone dislike Miss Claudia?” Anka asked, only mildly astonished.

James patted her shoulder, “Everyone that’s met her.” He muttered, and she laughed.

“A promising class you’ve got here Doctor O’Neil.” Victor replied, nodding his approval, “We’ll start you all off with a tour of the site for today. Then you can get acquainted with your quarters. Supper is at precisely six p.m., don’t be late or you’re liable to find that all the food is gone. Tomorrow we’ll give you your jobs.”

Anka clutched her bag to her as Yaryck released a soft whimper. “I can’t wait.” She murmured hastily to cover the sound.

“If you will all follow me, you’ll be divided into three groups of four for the tours.” Victor stepped from the bus.

James stepped off first, followed by Lu-Lu, Lucas, Parlé, Jewel, Nagi, Drake, Conner, Tristan, Nami, and finally Anka, who’d ducked back down into her seat to comfort Yaryck. “Alright, Lucas, Parlé, and Drake, you’re with me.” James said, “Conner, Tristan, Jewel, and Chloe in the next group. Lastly, Nagi, Nami, Lu-Lu, and Anka, you’ll be in the last group.”

“I’ll be starting your group out with the actual dig site.” Victor said to James.

“My name’s Summer.” A woman with caramel flesh and sun-bleached hair approached the second group, beaming, “I’ll be giving you four your personal tour, starting with the barracks.”

“I’m Scott.” A man younger than Summer approached Nagi’s group, he was oddly pale and possessed short, red hair, “We’ll be starting out in the pyramid.” He grinned, “Mind your heads and your feet… There tend to be some troublesome critters scurrying around.”

Each of their groups was led off in opposite directions. “Excuse me,” Nami murmured questioningly to Scott, “But why is there a separate dig site from the pyramid?”

“Because there’s another buried in the sand.” Scott explained, “We found it after a particularly nasty sandstorm a few weeks back, Victor’s excited… He thinks we’ve discovered something spectacular. I, on the other hand, don’t think we’ll find much more than a few mummies.” He shrugged, “It’s going to get dark in a second, but don’t fret, there are lamps just around the corner.”

Scott led them into the pyramid, and true to his word, it grew black as pitch once they’d entered. Nami clung to Nagi, Anka held the back of Nami’s shirt, and Lu-Lu took the time to accidentally grope Nagi, who smacked her hand away immediately. They rounded the first corner, and a soft, golden glow washed over them.

“Wow! This is amazing!” Anka exclaimed, running her fingers over the symbols upon the walls curiously, “Huh, this is funny…” She ducked down, close to the ground, and brushed the sand away from the wall, “Beware, intruders…” She murmured slowly, deciphering the symbols.

“Don’t mind the warnings; we’ve managed to deactivate all of the traps...” Scott called back, “Please keep up.”

“Ah!” Anka stood and raced to catch up to her group, “Sorry…” She blushed.

“So, you can read Egyptian then?” Scott raised an eyebrow in Anka’s direction.

“Actually… The four of us studied the language together…” Nami murmured.

“Brilliant.” Scott grinned, “At least some Americans take the time to learn these things… It could save your life.” He winked.

“Nami…” Anka pulled Nami back from the group, “Yaryck’s really scared, I don’t understand… He’s shaking and I can’t calm him.” She murmured, letting some distance build between them and the others.

“How come you didn’t call Lu-Lu back for this?” Nami asked, placing her hand on Anka’s bag.

“Because she’s not as sensitive towards Yaryck as you and I.” Anka replied, “I’m worried… This dig site might be a bad idea for him after all…”

“It’s probably just the change in climate or something.” Nami replied, “He was acting weird when we got to the hotel, remember?”

“Maybe…” Anka agreed hesitantly, leaning against the wall, “This sure is a mysterious place… Reminds me of why I decided that I wanted to go into the field…”

“Yeah.” Nami breathed, looking around, “Oh! We’re losing them…” She muttered, grabbing Anka’s hand.

They ran quickly after their companions, “Hey, wait up!” Anka called.

“Watch your step!” Scott’s warning came too late, a stone beneath Nami’s foot slipped into the floor, and suddenly a gaping hole opened beneath the two girls.

They didn’t even have the time to scream as darkness enveloped them; instead they clutched each other tightly, squeezing their eyes shut as they sank deeper and deeper beneath the ground. They landed with a thud in a room lit solely by two torches, and lay there stunned and out of breath for several minutes before standing. “Where are we?” Nami breathed, looking around.

“It doesn’t look like anybody’s been down here in ages…” Anka shook her head, awe apparent in her voice, “Ow…” She rubbed at her arm, realizing that it was bleeding pretty heavily, “Nami…”

“What is it?” Nami approached her, when she saw the wound she thoughtlessly tore the sleeve from her arm and wrapped it around the wound tightly, “How’d you do that?” She asked.

Anka shrugged, “I dunno… hey, you’re bleeding too!” She pointed to the knee of Nami’s jeans.

Nami looked down, “These were my favorite jeans!” She muttered angrily, ripping the rest of the legging away from the knee. She cursed and sat down heavily, “Give me a hand, Anka.”

Anka nodded quickly and ripped the material that Nami had pulled from her jeans. She tied it around Nami’s leg tightly, staunching the bleeding, “How’s that?”

“Crude, but it’ll do.” Nami replied; standing again and testing her leg, she winced as she took a step.

“Here.” Anka threw Nami’s arm around her shoulder, “I’m sure that once we get back to the group and its wrapped properly you won’t have any problem walking on it.” She assured her friend.

“The problem isn’t my leg… it’s finding our way out.” Nami muttered, looking around, “Shit… I don’t see a door…”

“There’s gotta be one somewhere…” Anka muttered, dragging Nami over to the wall before them, “I’m sure it’s activated by some sort of switch… We’ll find it.”

“Shouldn’t we wait here?” Nami asked, gazing up at the ceiling, “Maybe they’ll try to come down after us or something…”

“What’s… that sound?” Anka pressed her ear against the wall, “It sounds like water…” She murmured.

“Didn’t Scott say all the traps had been taken care of?” Nami asked, worried.

“Yeah… but I don’t think he realized there was a room down here; or at least didn’t know where that trapdoor lead…” Anka shrugged, “Why?”

“It sounds like… water, but… The river’s nowhere near us!” Nami muttered.

“Nami…” Anka tapped her shoulder, gulping.

“What is it?” Nami asked, still focused on the sound of the water.

“I-I think we’re in trouble.” Anka pointed to the far wall, and when Nami looked, she gasped, water was flooding into the room through several fist-sized holes.

Nami cursed, “Only the two of us could manage to activate a trap that hadn’t been taken care of… I mean seriously, does our luck ever change! Anka, set me down on that small hill thing, you need to find us a way out of here as fast as possible…”

Anka nodded and eased Nami down. She raced to the wall again and ran her fingers over it, pressing here and there, seeking out some sort of hidden switch, anything that would get them out and to safety. She gasped as the water flooded over her shoes, it hissed, steaming as though the water were hot. “Anka, get out of it, that’s not water!” Nami exclaimed.

“I realize this.” Anka limped over to Nami, tears stinging in her eyes, “It’s hopeless, we’re going to melt to death!” She nearly sobbed.

Yaryck peered out from the bag, chittering softly and climbed atop her shoulder, nuzzling her. He hissed as a soft, bell-like sound emitted from the walls around them. A small portion of the wall fell away to reveal a yawning black gateway. “You think it’d be a bad idea to go in there?” Anka whispered.

“Can’t be any worse than melting.” Nami shrugged, limping to the wall and yanking one of the torches down, “here.” She handed it to Anka and quickly grabbed the second.

Anka balanced Nami and they held the torches high. Yaryck dug his claws into Anka’s shoulder as she and Nami waded through the acidic substance. They bit back cries of pain as they leapt quickly into the doorway, it shuddered closed behind them and they were left to gaze at the yawning walkway before them. “W-what should we do?” Anka whispered, “What if we step wrong somewhere and poisoned arrows fly out of the walls at us?”

“We have to keep moving.” Nami murmured, stepping forward firmly and forcing Anka to move with her, “We have no choice, and besides, remember what Scott said? Let’s keep reading the symbols on the wall; they should point out the traps…”

“I hope you’re right.” Anka gulped, Yaryck didn’t loose his grip upon her shoulder, and she didn’t take notice of his stiff countenance either.

“Stop, Anka,” Nami tugged on her arm, “another beware… Something about two immortal beings bound for eternity…” She squinted, “A lot has been eroded away, but look: Step cautiously oh weary traveler, flee back to the surface, or never see the light of day again.”

“Step cautiously… Okay, so we need to be careful about another hidden switch in the floor, right?” Anka questioned.

“I don’t know if it’s a simple as that…” Nami shook her head, “But… What about those immortal beings bound for eternity…?”

“You watch too many movies…” Anka shook her head, “Once something’s dead… it’s dead. It doesn’t come back.”

Nami froze, gulping, “Anka… tell me that’s not what I think it is…” She pointed at the ground shakily.

Anka removed one of her sole less shoes and tossed it to the squirming ground before them. She cringed as it vanished, “I think it is…” She shuddered, “A writhing sea of scorpions…” She pointed the torch close to the ground, “Look!” She said, mildly excited as a platform came into sight, three feet away from the scorpions, then blackness took over again.

“You expect me to jump that?” Nami demanded, “What if I fall in? I’ll be dead for sure with all those poisonous stingers piercing my flesh…”

Anka shuddered and drew in a deep breath, “We have no choice, Nami.” She muttered, “We have to keep moving… We need to find our way back to the surface again.”

“I know but…” Nami whined, “What if there’s something worse beyond the scorpions?”

“We’ll deal with the problems as they come. I’ll protect you, Nami.” Anka said it with such seriousness that Nami burst into a fit of giggles.

“I’m sorry…” Nami gasped, trying to catch her breath, “It’s just… that line is so cliché!”

“I know…” Anka muttered, “Shall we jump together?”

Nami frowned, “I don’t know if that would be a good idea… One at a time might be wiser.”

“Maybe…” Anka sighed, lifting Yaryck from her shoulder, “Hold him.” She said calmly, and Nami took the small animal.

“Be careful…” Nami murmured as Anka pulled off her other ruined shoe.

Anka took a few steps back before taking a running leap. She cleared the scorpion pit gracefully, landing on the other side of them she turned back to face Nami, panting though grinning victoriously, “Come on, Nami!” She called, “Just try not to overshoot, there’s a spike pit barely a foot away from me!”

“Oh, that’s comforting…” Nami muttered, “What about Yaryck?”

“He’ll be fine in your bag.” Anka replied, setting down her torch and holding out her arms expectantly, “Come on, I’ll make sure you don’t fall in.”

Nami snorted as she slipped Yaryck into her bag. She limped backwards a few steps, drew in a deep breath, and leapt. She sailed over the scorpions, landing on the edge of the platform. Her arms pin wheeled, trying to keep her dangerously swaying form in safety.

Anka’s hand closed warmly over hers and she was no longer dangling on the brink of death. Nami lifted her torch as Anka bent down to grab her own, “What now? I don’t see anything within jumping distance…”

“Look at the walls…” Anka murmured, brushing her fingers over the shallow shelves, “Looks like we’ll have to play cliffhanger from here…” She lifted her torch higher, just barely catching sight of a spit of land more than ten feet away from them.

Anka drew her arm back and threw the torch. The flame sputtered, though held as it landed safely on the other side, “Oh no.” Nami shook her head, gazing down into the pit of spikes, “I draw the line here… No way are we going to be able to do this!”

“That’s my line…” Anka muttered, shuddering, “You forget my fear of heights…”

“Don’t even mention the pointy sticks waiting to impale us!” Nami rolled her eyes.

“We can do this.” Anka took a deep breath, “If you want I’ll go first again…”

“No.” Nami said, “I’m not going along behind you and having to be stuck hanging on the wall when you have a panic attack… I’d rather be on the other side first, able to help pull you to safety.” She threw her torch and kicked off her ruined shoes, her fingers gripping the small shelf that was just barely above her head.

“Be careful.” Anka murmured, “There’s also footholds.” She pointed, “I’ll be right behind you.”

Nami drew in a shallow breath and calmed her heart before she started out and away from the safety of land. Anka moved slowly behind her, her eyes focused only on the stone wall before her. They moved silently, straining, for several long minutes before Nami felt solid ground beneath her feet once more, “We made it!” She sighed in relief, turning to smile at Anka, though it fell away immediately.

Anka was dangling by only a few fingers, still more than a foot away from safety. The rock ledge that had supported their weight was crumbling, and her gaze was riveted upon the spikes that rested a good distance below her. “Anka!” Nami called, “Anka, look at me!” But she got no reaction out of her friend, who was frozen in terror.

Nami grasped at the ledge and stretched her fingers to Anka, “Come on, snap out of it, take my hand!” She called in terror.

“Nami I… I can’t do this.” Anka said in a soft, child-like voice, her eyes wide.

“Yes you can!” Nami exclaimed, “Come on, take my hand, get yourself over here!”

Anka looked up at her slowly, her gaze dizzy, “I’ll fall…” She whimpered.

“You’ll fall if you don’t get your ass over here!” Nami growled, “Now, Anka, take my hand and jump!”

Anka closed her eyes and took several shuddering breaths before nodding, the rock slipping beneath her fingers, “Alright.” She murmured.

Her loose hand reached shakily for Nami’s as her feet scrabbled against the wall for a hold. When Anka felt Nami’s fingers close around her own, she thrust herself away from the wall. The two girls collapsed on solid ground. “H-how’d we manage that one?” Anka panted, slowly sitting up as Yaryck dove from Nami’s bag and sat in her lap, she patted him absentmindedly.

“With a hell of a lot of good luck…” Nami muttered, “Come on, we need to keep moving.”

They entered into a chamber whose walls were made of what appeared to be pure gold, “Wow!” They exclaimed together, stopping to rest for a few moments.

There were two doorways, and they needed time to contemplate the best choice. Both felt oddly drawn to the one on the left, but at the same time it felt wrong and frightening. At last Nami stood and limped over to the one on the right, “It looks like this one leads up…” She said thoughtfully.

Yaryck leapt from Anka’s shoulder and stood in the right doorway, chittering loudly as though agreeing with Nami. “Sounds like he agrees with you,” Anka murmured, amused, as she stood at last.

She lifted Yaryck into her arms and eased him back down into her bag, “Don’t worry, I won’t keep you confined for long…” She murmured.

“Shall we?” Nami held out her arm and Anka accepted it.

Holding the torches before them they began to walk, and as Nami had commented, the path did indeed incline. The only problem was that once they’d reached the top of the hill, they came to a dead end. “This can’t be right!” Nami exclaimed, beating at the wall with her fists.

After a few minutes she gave up and sank to her knees, “Why… why?” She burst out, the fuel that fed their torches was slowly giving out, and within the span of a minute, they sputtered and went out, leaving the two girls in pitch darkness.

Anka whimpered and curled up near Nami, “What’re we gonna do?”

“Don’t panic.” Nami pulled Anka’s hat away and stroked her hair soothingly, “We’ll find a way out.” They sat like that for a good while.

At last Anka lifted her head, a sudden idea forming in her mind, “Maybe there’s another switch hidden here somewhere?” She suggested hopefully, standing and beating on the walls similar to how Nami had done it.

A small hole formed and she could see, oddly enough, a small beam of light, “Nami, Nami look!” She crowed in jubilation.

Nami peered through as well, “I don’t see anybody though…” She murmured softly.

Anka felt tears well up in her eyes, “Maybe they’re looking for us… where we fell…”

“Could be…” Nami nodded grimly, “But they don’t know about the acid, somebody could get hurt!”

Anka shook her head, “Oh I hope not…” She said, “I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself for that carelessness…”

“Me either…” Nami jabbed her finger into the small hole, trying to make it bigger to no avail, “We’ll have to call out…” She said at last, looking over at Anka, “It’s our only hope… We can’t possibly expect to head back down and try to find another way in pitch blackness…”

“Yeah…” Anka sighed, “Ready?” Nami nodded, taking a deep breath.

The two girls began shouting for help, their voices reverberating off the walls. “Listen!” Nami said sharply, putting a finger over Anka’s lips to silence her.

“Voices!” A man shouted, “Over here!”

“They heard us!” Anka cheered, “Hey, help!” She called, forcing her finger into the hole, trying to get attention.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get you out!” It was a woman this time, “Please, step away from the wall.”

Nami grabbed Anka’s shoulder and dragged her several feet back down the hill in the darkness, “Okay, we’re away!” She called.

The wall shuddered as a heavy, blunt object cracked it, and it was only a few more agonizing minutes until it crumbled and revealed several familiar faces- James, Victor, Scott, and Summer, as well as a few unknown men and women. “How did you two ever manage to get so far back here?” Scott shook his head in disbelief, “We couldn’t reopen the trap door… And feared losing your lives.”

“And where the hell are your shoes?” James demanded, looking down at their bare feet.

“Please, questions later.” Summer murmured, “They must be exhausted… wandering around for hours…”

“Well…” Victor murmured, beaming a flashlight into the tunnel behind the two girls, “It seems you’ve at least discovered something interesting… I’ll have to get a few people down there tomorrow…”

“Tell them to be careful…” Nami murmured tiredly, “And not to try going through that trap door…”

“Come.” James grasped their shoulders and allowed Victor to lead them back out of the pyramids.

Their classmates cheered when the group emerged out into the setting sun, Nagi embraced Nami warmly, “I was worried I’d never see you again…” He murmured into her ear.

“Come on now, give them room to breathe.” James scolded, “There will be time for banter later…”

Nami and Anka were led to the makeshift medical facility, a large tent in which rested roughly ten cots, one of which was already occupied. As they were treated for the burns on their feet and their lacerations, the two of them unfolded the tale of their adventure. “You two are lucky.” The elderly nurse, Abby, tsked, “It was very fortunate that you removed your shoes after you were burned… otherwise the acid would have continued to eat away at your flesh… You’d be down to your bones in no time!”

Anka and Nami shuddered at the thought, and at last Abby finished with the stitching and wrapping, “I’d suggest a good night’s sleep here where I and my colleagues can keep an eye on you.”

James shook his head miserably, “What am I going to tell your parents? Nothing like this was supposed to happen…” He moaned.

“No worries, Doc.” Anka shook her head, “A little pain never hurt anybody… Besides, Nami and I got to help discover something new.”

“I hope that tomorrow, or soon at least, you two would like to accompany some of my researchers back into that area?” Victor questioned.

“I don’t-” James started.

“We’d love to.” Nami grinned, “That was a once in a lifetime experience… and at least we can show your people where not to go…”

Anka nodded, “Tomorrow should be fine.” She said, “Might our classmates be able to go too? I’m sure they’d like to be able to see the place.”

James shook his head, “We should leave you to your rest. I’ll bring you girls your supper, and inform the others of what has transpired; I’m sure they’re dying to find out… Thank goodness Claudia wasn’t here… She’d send you on the first flight back to the states if she knew…”

Anka and Nami made identical faces of disgust, “Yeah…” Nami ventured to say, “See you later, James.”

He waved over his shoulder as he ducked out of the tent, “Be warned,” He said, sticking his head back into the tent to inform Abby, “There might be a few visitors for them shortly…”

“So long as they keep quiet and on their best behavior… I won’t turn them away.” Abby huffed, “As for you girls, get some rest while you can.” She smiled motherly, “You’re lucky even getting out of that alive…”

“We know.” Anka replied, “We’re lucky… but at the same time we’ve got rotten luck if that makes sense… you know, falling into something like that and at the same time… Making it out alive and with all of our limbs intact…” She shook her head, laughing softly, more a mask for the terror she’d felt before than anything.

Abby nodded as the two girls lay down, exhaustion got the better of both and they drifted off into sleep. Nearly an hour later they awoke, feeling better than they had, and at the same time worse. Nami’s leg burned, and her feet throbbed, a look over at Anka told her that the other girl was just as bothered by her wounds.

But their injuries weren’t what woke them- entering the tent were five of their friends- Lu-Lu, Nagi, Tristan, Chloe, and Parlé. “How the hell’d you two manage to get into trouble?” Lu-Lu was the first to speak, “I should smack you both for being careless.”

“No need for violence, Lu-Lu.” Chloe murmured, “I’m sure they’ve suffered enough for one day.”

“So…” Tristan sat on the edge of Anka’s bed, “How are you two feeling?”

“Been better…” Nami sighed honestly.

“James told us what happened.” Parlé said, “Sounds positively… frightening. I mean, escaping a flood of acid… leaping over a pit of scorpions… and scaling a wall over a pit of spikes?” He shuddered, “I don’t know how you managed…”

“So how come only a few of you came?” Anka asked, curious.

“James thought it’d be better if we didn’t all come at once.” Nagi replied evenly, sitting down beside Nami.

“You guys want to see the place tomorrow?” Nami questioned, “We were told we could go… and Anka and I would like for everyone else to come too…”

“Sure.” Lu-Lu replied curtly, “Sounds exciting enough…” The others agreed quickly, excited to get to see where Anka and Nami had struggled for their very lives.

“I want to see that other place…” Anka murmured, “There was a second doorway... It seemed to be drawing me in.”

“Me too!” Nami exclaimed, “I thought it was just me…”

Anka shook her head, “No… It’s a curious thing though… You think they’ll let us explore there too?”

“Not alone.” Nami replied, “It’s unknown territory… who knows what sort of traps and other creepy things could be lurking there…”

Anka shuddered, “Well… all the better reason for the experts I suppose.” She commented.

“Don’t go getting yourselves into more trouble.” Lu-Lu warned.

“Hey… Anka?” Tristan blinked as he looked her over.

“Hm?” Anka turned her gaze to his questioningly.

“Why is your hair… blue?” He asked, then quickly rushed on, “Not that it’s bad or anything! It stands out, I like it.”

Anka twisted a strand between her fingers, “I… I wanted to make a fashion statement!” She replied, locking gazes with Nami, who was laughing silently.

“It looks pretty nifty.” Parlé commented.

“Now we can stand out together!” Chloe giggled, “The blue looks really cool!”

“Really?” Anka looked relieved.

“Yeah.” Nagi had to agree as he intertwined his fingers with Nami’s, “It does.”

“I told you!” Nami grinned, “Nothing to worry about.”

Anka looked genuinely relieved, and was about to reply when James entered the tent, “Alright, everyone, head on out.” He chuckled, bearing two trays, “Nami and Anka need to eat and then get some more rest.”

There was a collective groan among the visitors and they stood, exchanging goodbyes before shuffling out of the tent. “Here you ladies are.” James sat a tray before each of them.

“What is it?” Nami asked, picking up a fork and poking at something that looked like soup.

“I’m pretty sure it’s beef stew.” James shrugged, “I managed to snag you girls some bottled water too… Enjoy, okay?”

“Don’t worry.” Anka smiled, “We’re fine, and we’re not going to sue or anything…”

James laughed in amusement, “Whatever you say. Hope you girls are feeling better in the morning…”

Nami shook her head, “You worry too much, Doc.” She smiled, “Thanks though.” She began eating hungrily.

“Thanks.” Anka added as well, around a mouthful of food.

“No problem,” James grinned and left them in peace.

Abby approached them then, handing them each a couple of pills, “For the pain.” She explained, “Let me know if you start hurting again.”

“Thank you.” Anka and Nami chorused.

Every few minutes Anka snaked her hand into her bag, feeding Yaryck portions of her meal, which he lapped up gratefully.

“How is he?” Nami whispered.

“He’s not shaking anymore at least…” Anka replied with a small shrug.

“You think that tomorrow you should leave him in our tent?” Nami asked.

Anka looked thoughtful, “It might be wise…” She murmured at last, “I don’t want him to freak out and reveal himself to everyone…”

Nami set her tray down on the stand they shared and opened her water, drinking deeply and giving a relieved sigh, “Wow, didn’t realize how thirsty I was…” She said, surprised, as she set down the empty bottle and curled up on her cot, “G’night, Anka.” She murmured drowsily.

“Night, Nami.” Anka murmured, setting her own tray down and tugging the blanket over her form. She cuddled her bag, and heard Yaryck give a pleased sigh, before sleep finally claimed her.

The next morning came bright and early- the two girls were awoken by the swell of heat and promptly threw their blankets back from their hot forms. Nami stretched, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, “Wow… it’s really hot…” She complained to Anka.

“It’s not so bad.” Anka shrugged, “You forget my family is cold-blooded, they keep the thermostat set on 90 degrees even usually.” Yaryck chattered from his bag and Anka poured a little bit of her water into the bowl on her tray, she reached into the pouch below Yaryck and pulled out a few strips of dried meat.

Yaryck ate happily from beneath the blanket as the girls were approached by Abby, “How are you two doing this morning?” She questioned in a motherly manner, replacing their bandages.

“Much better, though I’m quite certain we’ll be walking with limps for a while.” Nami joked.

“The swelling’s gone down.” Abby said in satisfaction, “Looks like you’ll both be up and on your feet no problem. I’ll send you on your way to your tents. Most everyone’s eating breakfast, so it would do you well not to dawdle.”

“Yes’m.” Anka murmured; slipping Yaryck back into his bag and setting the bowl back down on the tray; she covered the action by taking a swig of her heated water.

Nami and Anka leapt from their beds, surprised for only a moment by the thick, padded feel of the bandaging around their feet that made it slightly difficult to walk. Abby chuckled softly, “Wait there just a moment, we’ve got a few spare pairs of boots that you two can have.”

The two girls quickly folded the blankets on their bed and straightened the sheets. “So… we go back in there today.” Nami commented, “You ready to go back down?”

Anka took a shuddering breath, though nodded, “Yeah, it shouldn’t be a problem… Like we were saying last night, I’d like to check out that other doorway…”

Nami nodded in understanding, “Yeah, me too…”

Abby bustled back into view holding two pairs of black boots that looked to be too big to fit their feet. “They are a little big,” Abby huffed, “But nonetheless, with the bandaging on your feet, they should fit comfortably enough.”

“Thank you.” Nami and Anka chorused, shoving their feet into the shoes.

“Summer’s waiting outside.” Abby said, “She’ll get you girls to your tent. Feel free to come back should there be more pain and I’ll issue you something for it.” She smiled and waved as the two girls ducked their heads once more in thanks and slipped outside.

Summer grinned when she saw them, “Well, looks like your little experience yesterday hasn’t dampened your spirits.” She said, her tone relieved and glad, “Victor said you even seemed excited about going back down in.”

Anka nodded, “A little fall like that’s nothing.” She said, following as Summer moved between the tents, towards the outer rim.

“That’s good to hear.” Summer nodded, “So, you girls are what year in college?”

Anka and Nami exchanged glances, “We’re Seniors in High School.” Nami cleared her throat, “We take college courses in our spare time.”

Summer whistled, “Your whole class consisting of High School Seniors?” She asked, curious.

“Nah, only a few of us.” Anka shook her head, “Lucas, Lu-Lu, and Nagi are the other seniors… Everyone else are in varying years of college.”

“So, is being here anything like you expected?” Summer questioned, stopping in front of a decently sized tent, “You share this one with your friend Lu-Lu.”

“Oh, it’s everything and more.” Nami said ecstatically, “Other than the heat- which anyone can get used to- it’s perfect.”

Summer chuckled, “Not every day is as exciting as yours was yesterday. There are days when we don’t find or understand anything, but we keep going in hopes of discovering new things about the people of the past.”

Anka nodded, “We understand that. We don’t plot to become archaeologists or adventurers just to become famous or anything. It’s learning that we’re interested in.”

“Well, at least you’ve got your sights set on a reachable goal.” Summer said agreeably, “Do you want me to wait here for you?”

“Where’s the mess hall?” Nami asked.

“Right over there, the large tent in the center of camp.” Summer pointed.

“Have you eaten yet?” Anka asked next, when Summer shook her head she continued, “Then go on. We’ll be over for food in just a moment or two.” She smiled.

Summer nodded, “Alright then, I’ll see you girls later.” She waved as she headed off into the sea of tents once more.

“Sooo…” Lu-Lu grinned as she popped out from beneath Nami’s cot.

“Dammit! Don’t do that!” Nami growled as Lu-Lu joined her on the cot.

“I wanted me a piece of the ex-virgin boy…so how was he?”

“What!?” Nami asked, astonishment in her tone.

“You still think that we slept, slept with Nagi?” Anka asked dryly.

“You honestly turned down his hot half drunk ass?” Lu-Lu muttered.

“There was nothing to turn down, Lu-Lu…” Nami muttered in embarrassment.

“I-I can’t listen to you two babble…I feel like I’ve heard the ultimate sin confessed to me…” Lu-Lu covered her ears and shook her head.

“Is it me, or is there just a lot of irony in her one-liners?” Nami asked, glancing over at Anka.

“It’s her—not us.” Anka replied in a sigh.

“She may be clueless, bitchy, slutty and easy to fool—but at least she’s rich.” Nami replied to Lu-Lu’s cold-shoulder technique.

“I can still hear you, bitch.” Lu-Lu growled.

“Wanna cookie?” Nagi asked as he walked in as well.

“I don’t need to be teased by sardonic sarcasm!” Lu-Lu pouted.

“You have cookies!?” Nami asked eagerly.

Nagi grinned and held up a brown paper bag, “I smuggled them in from the shopping trip yesterday.”

“You smuggled cookies?” Anka asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Yeah…I have an addiction to feed.” Nagi replied as he took out a cookie.

“And there are no sweets to be found?” Lu-Lu pouted.

“Other than this, no.” Nagi replied, shaking the bag.

“You should entirely order us a bakery.” Anka suggested.

“Excellent idea!” Lu-Lu held her index finger toward the sky. “I’ll call my daddy! Excuse me!”

Nagi smacked Lu-Lu’s hands away preemptively as she passed him on her way out of the tent. “Is it bad when I can predict it before it happens?”

Nami moved her feet so Nagi could sit, “Nope, she’s just a pervert and you’re used to her.”

“Unfortunately…” Anka added.

Nagi held out the bag of cookies to each of them and they gladly accepted. Nagi reached in and pulled out a handful of chocolate chips and placed them on Anka’s bed, “For the rodent-thingie thing, thing…”

“You knew his weakness!?” Anka gasped. Yaryck leapt from his hiding place and quickly delved in the chocolate and sweetness happily.

“I know a bit about everybody’s weakness.” Nagi replied.

“Ha! So you are doing them again!” Conner fell into the tent’s entrance followed by everybody else, save Lu-Lu—a domino effect fall.

“No, I’ve never touched either of them in the first place.” Nagi sighed.

“Okay…how the Hell did you morons pull this one off?” Lu-Lu asked from behind the pile of spies.

“Molecules can be compacted…” Drake replied as he pushed himself from the top of the pile of spies.

“Obviously…” Lu-Lu replied.

“Not in solids, you idiot…” Lucas corrected Drake as he dusted himself off and allowed the others the chance to move.

“Humans are 75% water.” James pointed out as he attempted to look dignified as he stood.

“And your opinion should be trusted, why?” Lucas asked.

“Oh, I don’t know—he’s only a doctor!” Chloe snapped as she pushed herself from Jewel’s back.

“I can’t believe that you called me over here for this…” Jewel rolled her eyes as she exited the packed tent.

Tristan only grinned and kept giving Nagi thumbs up every few seconds before Chloe forced him to leave the tent.

Lu-Lu forced everybody but James, Nagi and her tent-mates out of the tent. “My daddy said that we can go to town ordering sweets because he’ll gladly pay for everything because he loves me.”

“So bringing a whiny rich bitch isn’t entirely useless. Alright.” Nagi nodded.

“Don’t make me rape you…” Lu-Lu leered at her prey.

Nagi quickly hid beneath Nami’s blanket and pillow, whimpering. Nami pet him and continued running her fingers through his hair adoringly. “Lu-Lu, you should go get orders of sweets from the rest in the group.” Nami suggested.

Lu-Lu nodded and grabbed a notebook and a pencil from her things and was quickly out of the tent. “She’s gone now, Nagi…” Anka muttered before she took a sip of water.

Nagi poked his head from beneath Nami’s bedding. “You should eat something, Nami…”

Nami nodded and continued to eat bit by bit as Nagi cuddled up to her affectionately. “You two are both real cute together.” Anka muttered as she flipped a page in the book she was reading.

Their cheeks were immediately reddened, “Really?” they chorused.

“Despite our awkward moments…yes. You both care about each other and if you weren’t so shy, you’d be the stereotypical high school romance.” Anka replied.

Nagi stared at Nami thoughtfully, “Let’s avoid the pregnancy ruins life cliché, though.”

“You two wouldn’t do anything like that anyway…would you?” Summer walked in the tent and glanced at Nagi who was lazing about, curled up in Nami’s lap as she ate.

“No, we’ve known each other for years…” Nagi blushed.

“He finally got the nerve to kiss her two days ago.” Anka interjected.

“So it would take a bit more to push him?” Summer asked.

“Yes, like marriage…” Nagi blushed even more.

“Or liquor…” Anka whispered.

“What was that?” Nagi leered over at Anka.

“I said nothing.” Anka blandly replied.

“Why are you here?” Nami asked as she finished her meal.

“Merely concern.” Summer replied. “And to make sure that the happy couple won’t disrupt the trip.”

“Wait, why would we cause trouble?” Nami asked.

“Just some here-say of promiscuity…” Summer shrugged as she left the tent.

“My reputation is ruined…” Nami whimpered.

“It’s my fault…I’m sorry…” Nagi sat up and cradled her in his arms. “I shouldn’t have taken you to my room…” Nagi sighed as her tears pierced his flesh. “Admiring you from afar should have been good enough.”

“Could you actually live with only admiring me? You seemed pretty relieved when we kissed the other day…” Nami’s heart pounded heavily in her chest. She nestled into Nagi’s chest affectionately and sniffed his sweet aroma.

“I know I couldn’t, but it would be better for you.” Nagi replied.

“You’re getting to be the gagger cliché, Nagi.” Anka flipped a page in her book.

Nagi stared at Anka, “Do you mind?”

“It’s our tent. It is public domain.” Anka muttered.

“She’s only teasing, Nagi.” Nami brushed his bangs from his eyes.

“I know, but I’m trying to be serious.” Nagi replied dryly. “It’s my fault you were hurt. If I would have just told you and not showed you…this wouldn’t have happened.”

“There’ve been worse with our without an instance. The bad will just keep coming. It’s really not that big of a deal.” Nami replied.

Nagi cradled Nami in his arms and met her lips, delving in his lust. He continued to kiss her and pull her closer to him as she entwined her fingers in his hair and snuggled closer to him. They both panted heavily and disturbed Anka’s reading, “Dammit, get a room!”

“We’re already there!” Nami replied before kissing Nagi again.

“One that doesn’t have me in it, preferably…” Anka begged.

“It’s our room—it’s public domain.” Lu-Lu barged in and plopped down near her things, ignoring Nami and Nagi’s public displays of affection. “Any requests before I phone in the delivery?”

“Chocolate and cookies.” Anka replied. “Lots of chocolate chips.”

“Cheesecake, brownies, doughnuts, muffins, cupcakes and ice cream.” Nagi suggested. Lu-Lu nodded in approval as she scribbled down the replies.

“You have a woman’s sweet tooth.” Anka muttered.

“That’s not just for me. I figured we should get enough to share.” Nagi replied between kisses.

James casually walked in and threw a three pack of condoms at Nami and Nagi, “We have a phone for you to order the sugar, Lu-Lu.”

Lu-Lu spent only a few minutes on the phone, and when she finally shut it off, she turned to the group with a grim face, “What’s wrong?” Anka demanded immediately.

“It’ll take them all day to make our order!” Lu-Lu whined, “And they don’t want to come all the way out here after dark…”

“So pay them extra.” Nami muttered.

“Or, you know; I could totally drive into town and pick up the snacks.” James replied coolly, “Any volunteers to come with?”

“Me!” Lu-Lu exclaimed, immediately perking up.

“What time will they be done?” James asked.

“Around 7:30.” Lu-Lu replied.

Anka glanced down at her wristwatch, realizing the face was cracked, “Damn… looks like my watch stopped…” She muttered in irritation, tapping the glass.

“It’s only going on eight in the morning.” Nagi replied, standing, “We should… er… get ready to go on our expedition into that new area…”

“I need to freshen up first, personally…” Nami commented as she hopped off of her cot and began frantically searching her suitcase for clothing.

“You’re getting a shower?” Nagi gulped.

“Yes, a quick one at that, though.” Nami replied as she pulled out a towel, a black leather miniskirt and a spaghetti strap shirt. She yanked out a shower bag and threw her choice of clothing inside of it.

“I’ll see you afterwards…” Nagi nervously muttered. Nami kissed his cheek as she went to leave the tent before he grabbed her bag and followed her while carrying it instead. He followed her into the camp shower and blushed as he set her bag down for her. With no shame she tossed her clothing to the ground and stood in her bikini.

Nagi, flustered, immediately left the camp shower and returned to her tent to sulk and complain to Anka who wouldn’t listen anyhow since she was into her book.

“You’re a bit…whimsical.” Anka muttered as she set her book down.

“He’s not whimsical—he’s just weird.” Lu-Lu rolled her eyes.

“Why am I whimsical?” Nagi asked, ignoring Lu-Lu’s remark.

“The proper way to phrase that would be how for one and two, it’s enunciated as hwim-sik-ol. Not wim-zik-al.” Anka muttered. “And you act interesting when you find out that your infatuation bathes.”

“I like that fact—trust me…I just like it a bit too much is all.” Nagi replied.

“Even I’m lost when it comes to the sexual innuendo here.” Lu-Lu blinked.

Nagi sighed, “My senses are heightened more than the average human.”

“So?” Anka asked, cocking her head.

“Her smell…it’s her smell.” Nagi muttered.

“You smell her frequently?” Anka asked.

“No, her natural scent is so…” Nagi did a hand motion as to tell them to infer his thoughts for the purpose of preventing another awkward situation.

“Much of a turn on that you masturbate to it?” Lu-Lu asked.

“No—of course not the masturbate part.” Nagi muttered.

“I’m still confused about two things. First, why is it a turn on, Nagi?” Anka asked in an awkward disbelief.

“It always has been.” Nagi shrugged.

“And why do you complain to us about your sexual and romantic problems?” Anka asked as an add-on to her previous thought.

“It’s more of to who listens and…you just love me like that.” Nagi grinned sheepishly.

“I’ll love you on one condition…” Lu-Lu replied.

“Don’t make me get the anti-rape kit.” Nami muttered as she reset her possessions beneath her bed.

“How much of the previous conversation did you hear?” Anka asked as she stared at Nagi’s reddened cheeks and uncomforted facial expression.

“Enough to know that you two love Nagi for some reason and that Lu-Lu still wants to rape him for absolutely no reason.” Nami sat on her cot and faced the others. “Why, what did I miss?”

“N-nothing?” Nagi replied.

“You seem a bit jumpy, hon. Are you feeling alright?” Nami placed her lips on his forehead to sense a fever. Lu-Lu cackled evilly from the corner as she watched Nagi’s embarrassment further. “You don’t have a fever….”

Nagi finally collapsed to the ground in a nervous twitch. “He’s fine. This happens quite a bit but you normally have left the room by now.” Anka explained.

Nami blinked in confusion as she cradled him in her arms, “He’s adorable…”

“Yeah…a good reason to rape him in the shower…” Lu-Lu suggested. “And nice choice of outfits. The tight leather and vinyl aren’t revealing enough without the lack of undergarments and a clean shot of most of your body.”

“You have room to talk?” Anka asked Lu-Lu.

“I’m just saying that for being a virgin she sure drives that poor boy up a wall.” Lu-Lu replied. “I’m going to check our time for departure.” Lu-Lu left the tent and headed toward where James was staying.

“No shower rape…” Nagi muttered as he shook his head in resentment. “Not with…her…”

“What about with Nami?” Anka whispered.

“I can still hear you. I am right here…” Nami muttered as she leered up at Anka.

“I’m just being curious…” Anka pouted.

“True…” Nami muttered. “What about me?”

“Speak young one…” Anka grinned as she hovered over Nami’s shoulder.

“Go be curious somewhere else…” Nami growled.

“When he replies, I will.” Anka crossed her arms stubbornly.

Lu-Lu burst in, “We have to go right now!”

“We have to go, you heard the bitch.” Nagi replied faintly.

“You shouldn’t reply that faintly when using strong language.” Nami replied as Nagi started to get up on his own.

Anka growled, “Dammit…I’m gonna make him talk—you’ll see…”

“I’m still here. I can hear you.” Nagi replied as he helped Nami to her feet.

“I’m just curious.” Anka shrugged.

Nagi sighed, “I’m not going to tell even you my darkest fantasies about Nami. You’ll have to hear them from her when she gossips.”

“Oh, so you do have fantasies about her?” Anka grinned sheepishly.

Nagi smirked deviously, “I am a man.”

“And you tease me more than her by not even giving me subtle hints…” Anka whimpered.

“You want subtle hints? I’ll make and mail you the videos.” Nagi replied.

“You have some audacity especially since they might not be out of ear-shot, yet.” Anka commented with a quirked eyebrow.

“If she hears then maybe she’ll get the idea that I can be as perverse as she’ll let me.” Nagi shrugged.

“Why am I standing here, listening to your non-existent and yet very dirty sex life?” Anka asked as she shook her head amused.

They left the sunlight behind and were soon wending their way through lamp-lit corridors, their light laugher echoing back to them. “So, I’m assuming that everyone else is ahead of us?” Nami murmured questioningly to Lu-Lu.

“Yeah, James said to just meet them inside.” Lu-Lu shrugged.

“Ah, here you are!” Victor approached them swiftly, “And here I was beginning to worry that you’d gotten lost!”

“Nah, we may have no sense of direction, but getting lost just doesn’t happen for us.” Nami laughed softly.

“Doctor O’Neil asked that I wait for you here.” Victor replied, “They’re already at the site, getting prepped for the expedition.”

“Who?” the four of them blinked in confusion.

“Your professor.” Victor chuckled, “Come, come.” He waved them on ahead of them and at last they came upon the rest of their group.

“This is so exciting!” Jewel approached them, “Our first day on the site… and there’s a little over a week left in this trip.”

“So, you think we’ll find mummies?” Tristan asked, wholly curious.

“It’s possible.” Anka shrugged.

“Not very probable though.” Nami shook her head, “I’m sure they’ve already found all the corpses they’re going to find here.”

“Bummer.” Conner sighed, “That would have been interesting.”

“Don’t know how much I’d appreciate finding something dead…” Chloe muttered, “Besides, Conner, aren’t you the one whose afraid of using public restrooms?”

“There’s a difference!” Conner exclaimed defensively, “You don’t necessarily have to touch the dead things!” He shuddered at the thought of the public restrooms that he feared so much.

Drake sighed, “Come on you guys; let’s just follow the rest of the group before we get left behind...”

“Oh! Did we mention the pretty gold room?” Anka questioned.

“It was quite dazzling.” Nami agreed as they stepped over the rubble of a ruined wall and headed down the path, following the others.

“Ooh, gold?” Parlé grinned.

“You won’t be touching.” Nagi muttered.

“Awww, you’re no fun.” Parlé grumbled as they entered the room, he practically drooled at the sight, “Wow!”

“-Remember; don’t touch anything until we’ve personally checked that it’s safe.” Scott was saying.

“Go ahead and look around, try deciphering the walls.” Victor grinned, “But remember, stay nearby.”

Nami grinned as she saw Parlé sneak to touch the wall without Nagi’s knowledge. She glanced about, remembering that they had found a warning the previous day. Na-mi…

Nami glanced around and whispered to Nagi and Anka, “Did either of you just call me?”

“No.” they both whispered back.

Nami began glancing about, hoping that the voice was just a prank, but found nobody’s lips to match the sound. Nami’s eyes caught Anka glancing about as well. “You hear it too, I hope?”

“Yeah, we’re going crazy together…” Anka muttered.

“I think we should get to that room…” Nami muttered.

“Let’s pull a ninja move.” Anka whispered as they both continued toward the alternate exit. They walked along the small path with their flashlights clutched tightly. They reached the end of the hall and found the hiss that called their names to be even more audible than before they had approached the darkened room.

“Who are you?” Nami asked as she started in cautiously.

“What do you want with us?” Anka asked as she joined arms with Nami. They continued until the voices stopped completely. “Hello?”

“Hey!” Nami pointed to some inscriptions on a wall. “I’ve never seen them engraved so deeply…”

“What do you mean?” Anka joined her and began to investigate the textures and colors.

“Look, it’s at least six inches deep.” Nami muttered. “And they’re done again in black ink…and even emphasized in the red…”

“This has got to be big!” Anka grinned. “They emphasized it, after all, right?

“Yes, it’s emphasized and it’s next to a golden chamber. Back then, gold was the indestructible material.” Nami replied. “Can you read it? I’m a little rusty…”

“Inside these hallow walls lie darkened calls one of power the other of mind their evil forever bind beyond the golden temple of Anubis and before the wake of Isis, disturb not the seal with the Hymn of Chaos for the virgin’s fate lay as bride and…” Anka trailed off as she reached the last word.

“Star-crossed.” Nami filled in the last word to the inscription. They both shot around as a gust flew through the room knocking them both slightly off balance and was quickly followed by a quake.

“Is that an earthquake?” Anka asked.

“More likely a cave-in…” Nami muttered.

“How can you be so calm?”

“Something is just telling me to remain tranquil…” Nami replied.

“Huh?” Anka’s serene mind soon enough matched Nami’s. “Who are you?”

“Please tell me your name…” Nami pleaded with the hissing voice.

“Ryushi…” the voice muttered in reply.

“Akra…” another voice whispered.

“What do you want with us?” Nami asked.

“We only wish to meet you…” Ryushi’s voice grew deeper.

“That is all we desire—so far…” Akra’s voice likewise became more masculine.

“Where are you?” Nami grumbled curiously.

“We’re right behind you.” Ryushi replied as he wrapped his arms affectionately around Nami and Akra mirrored the action on Anka.

“We’ve been watching you…” Akra whispered in Anka’s ear.

“And protecting you of course…” Ryushi added.

“You saved us from the acid? And the scorpions? And the spikes?” Anka asked them.

“We could only guide you from our previous state…” Akra replied.

“Thank you…” Nami muttered.

“You girls were able to break the seal…” Ryushi noted. “You must be the pure ones that we had awaited.”

“Pure ones?” Anka asked.

“Only a virgin could finish the inscription and free us…” Akra replied to her comment.

“Ha! Proof that we didn’t sleep with Nagi!” Anka cheered.

“Nagi?” Ryushi asked coldly.

“My boyfriend…” Nami muttered.

“You’re already to be wed?” Ryushi asked.

“No, it’s not quite that serious yet…” Nami blushed.

“Then you are able to be wed freely?” Ryushi smirked.

“Something like that.” Anka answered.

Ryushi and Akra turned the girls to face them. “Wow…we gotta do this more often…” Anka whispered as she saw the man she awoke.

“You’re not kidding…” Nami muttered as her eyes traveled Ryushi’s body in full approval. “You’re wow…”

“I’m wow?” Ryushi quirked an eyebrow at her comment.

“To put it lightly in latent terms…very attractive.” Nami muttered.

“I can say the same to you…” Anka muttered as she continued to stare at Akra. “Another odd-ball with weird colored hair like me…”

“Your hair is natural beauty. You should embrace what makes you perfectly you…” Akra replied as he brushed Anka’s bangs away from her face.

“And they’re smart and charismatic!” they both chimed adoringly.

“Hey…” Nagi glanced around and found that Nami and Anka were not behind him as they were but a matter of minutes ago. “That is the last time I contemplate stuff…” he muttered as he grabbed Lu-Lu and Lucas, pulling them to the side.

“What do you want?” Lu-Lu asked, breaking Nagi’s grasp on her arm.

“Anka and Nami are missing…” Nagi replied.

“Dammit…I’ll get the collars and leashes…” Lucas sighed with a smirk.

“Uhhh…” Nagi blushed at the thought. “Let’s go find them.”

“Shouldn’t we tell James?” Lucas asked.

“Stop being the responsible one! You’re supposed to be the perverse one…so lead us onward oh mighty brash one!” Lu-Lu gave Lucas a hard push that lead him down a narrow passage. Nagi and Lu-Lu quickly followed and stopped when they reached a new room with an odd hissing sound about in the air.

“There’s a room.” Nagi pointed and started toward the same room that Nami and Anka were located.

“Come on. There’s great sex in it for you if you pull something great and find them.” Lu-Lu grinned at Lucas who was more eager than before to help.

They started down the path and were given several cold chills, the newest more intense than the previous. “Nami!” Nagi called as the girls came into plain sight. “Nami!”

“Who are they with?” Lu-Lu asked as she joined Nagi in step.

“You worry me a hell of a lo—” Nagi started to run toward Nami but was forced backwards just as forcefully as he had charged.

“I am on drugs. I did not just see that.” Lucas muttered as he watched Nagi struggle to get to his feet.

“Well, I now know not to try that.” Lu-Lu muttered.

“Well, somebody had to do it.” Nagi replied as he dusted himself off and started back to where he was thrown.

“Yes, but that is Lucas’s job as the idiot amongst us.” Lu-Lu pointed out point-blankly.

“Nami!” Nagi ignored Lu-Lu and began pounding on the barrier.

“Oh, so you’re not going to call out to Anka?” Lu-Lu sighed.

“I’ll do it.” Lucas replied as he joined Nagi with pounding on the shield.

“The guys they’re with are rape-able as all hell. You should give up Nagi. You’ve been out-done by the hotties over there. You’re cute, but you don’t have what they’ve got…” Lu-Lu muttered.

“I feel so reassured about my love for Nami, let me tell you…” Nagi growled.

“Now that you’ve admitted it to myself and Lucas, tell her.” Lu-Lu grinned.

“Stay on subject!” Nagi hissed.

“I’m just saying that I wouldn’t mind having one of them sent to my tent…” Lu-Lu looked them up and down perversely.

“Huh?” Anka glanced over at the entrance. “Hey, it’s the pervert, the bitch and the virgin!”

“Our friends!” Nami cheered.

“Your friends…?” Akra asked.

“We’re here on a field trip and we found this place and you guys here.” Nami replied.

“What year is it?” Ryushi asked.

“2008.” Anka muttered.

“It has been over 5000 years…” Ryushi trailed off quietly.

“You look damn fine for your age.” Lu-Lu shouted.

“Is she a concubine?” Akra asked.

“Eh, more or less…” Nami shrugged.

“And the one who calls you?” Ryushi asked as he pulled Nami closer to him.

“That’s my Nagi…” Nami replied coyly.

“Nami…” Nagi muttered with a final attempt at punching the barrier.

“Who is he?” Akra pointed toward Lucas.

“He’s the comic relief.” Anka replied.

“Is this Nagi the one that you were initially promised to, Nami?” Ryushi asked.

“He is my boyfriend…so I suppose so.” Nami replied with a shrug. “I love him so much…”

“What is this…love..?” Ryushi muttered.

“It’s difficult to explain, but he’s the one man I want to be with for the rest of my life. I’d do anything for him.” Nami replied in a dreamy daze.

“Hmmm…” Ryushi stood deep in thought.

“Damn, she beat you to saying it.” Lu-Lu muttered as she slapped Nagi on his back. The flushed Nagi fainted into Lu-Lu’s arms upon hearing Nami’s confession. “As weird as this is…I’d prefer to rape him while he were fighting…”

“Are you feeling okay?” Lucas asked Lu-Lu as he checked for a fever.

“Do you have a love too?” Akra asked Anka.

“N-not really…” Anka muttered nervously.

“You’ve met us, and that’s all you wanted so…we should be getting back with the rest of our class…” Nami muttered as she broke Ryushi’s grasp on her.

Anka quickly followed Nami’s example and started to run toward their friends. They were both forced back with as much force as they had built up with their acceleration, as were Lucas, Lu-Lu and Nagi.

“We forgot one very bad thing…” Nami murmured.

“What would that be?” Anka asked quietly.

“Force is equal to mass times acceleration.” Nami replied dryly.

“They’re coming! Play red-rover!” Lucas shouted.

“We can at least get a chance to run or think…” Anka muttered. Nami nodded and locked hands with Anka. They both started running towards Akra and Ryushi.  

“What do you think you’re doing?” Ryushi asked as he opened his hand. The girls stopped in mid-air and were no longer able to move.

“And, how do you like my force-field?” Akra asked with a grin.

“It’s just damn lovely.” Anka muttered.

“And my little mind tricks can make you do anything…” Ryushi smirked as he brushed Nami’s hair from in front of her eyes.

“Anything?” Nami asked curiously.

“Yes, anything.” Ryushi assured her.

“And I can force anything physical.” Akra grinned.

“Uhhhhh….” Anka turned bright red,

“You’re both my heroes!” Lucas cried.

“Same here!” Lu-Lu agreed.

“He has my girlfriend. Forgive me for not cheering.” Nagi muttered as he woke from his faint attack.

“At least the guy she left you for is hotter than you.” Lu-Lu placed her arm on his shoulder in a pat.

“Your condescending remarks aren’t very appreciated at the moment.” Nagi growled as he clutched her wrist and forced her physical contact away from himself.

“Jeez, you don’t have to be so rough…” Lu-Lu hissed. “Wait…how rough do you get exactly?”

Nagi leered over at her, “I can not believe that you just seriously asked me that in the current situation.”

“If I promised not to harm Nagi, would you do as I say willingly?” Ryushi asked.

Nami nodded, “If you break your word then I won’t trust you and I won’t even so much as look at you…”

“I am but a humble little demon.” Ryushi replied with a grin.

“Heh.” Nami growled at Ryushi’s tactic.

“The word he gives is true.” Akra explained.

“You’re both demons. Why would we believe the other ones’ testimony for their friend?” Anka asked.

“You speak the truth and we’ll speak the truth. Is it an accord?” Ryushi asked.

“Agreed.” Nami reluctantly replied.

“What are you doing?” Anka hissed.

“Honor amongst thieves.” Nami shrugged.

“And you’re foolish enough to go on an old saying?” Anka asked.

“We have no choice.” Nami sighed.

“We can’t just leave them…” Nagi muttered.

“We should just go try to find out what it is that brought them here so we can send them back.” Lucas muttered.

“But if we leave—“ Nagi started.

“Staying here has gotten us nowhere.” Lucas replied.

“I want to help them…” Nagi growled and punched a wall angrily.

“Lu-Lu…” Lucas tried to get her attention.

“We can leave her here while we get help. At the very least, if they take her with them, they’ll demand that we take Lu-Lu back.” Nagi murmured as he started back down the path from which they originally came.

“I see that your Nagi has left you with me….” Ryushi smirked and stroked Nami’s cheek affectionately. “It doesn’t really matter what I do with you, now.”

“Don’t hurt Nagi.” Nami firmly ordered.

“I’m starting to think that Lu-Lu was right about losing our virginity.” Anka muttered.

“You can say that again…” Nami muttered. A smirk came to her when she realized a loophole in their plan.

“She’s a bit distracting.” Akra growled. He waved his hand and the barrier was immediately sent leaping at Lu-Lu like bolts of lightning. After a moment, she lay on the ground, lifeless.

“Lu-Lu!” the girls both cried.

“What have you done!?” Nami and Anka leapt from their invisible bounds and were each hopelessly assaulting one of the demons.

“Nami, our own deal was that I wouldn’t kill Nagi…and Akra is under no contract.” Ryushi replied as he placed his arms around Nami’s waist.

“Let go of me!” Nami fought against his grip but was to no avail.

Akra grinned as he held Anka with such ease as well, “You’re the cutest little tool that I’ve ever met.”

“No more killing of our friends!” Anka ordered.

“We have an accord.” Akra smiled darkly.

“Look, since she’s dead…can we take her body back to the others and explain to them that we are to be your brides so they at least know what is happening?” Nami asked, trying to hold the tears back.

“Please…” Anka begged as well.

“You swear that you won’t run away?” Ryushi asked simply.

“Even if you let us stay with them for a few days to say our final goodbyes we’ll still be at the camp site where our friends are.” Anka muttered, wiping tears from her cheeks.

“Do you promise?” Akra asked calmly.

“Yes.” They both replied. Akra and Ryushi exchanged glances and finally shrugged.

“You have three days.” Akra muttered.

“And three nights.” Ryushi added.

“Thank you!” they both replied. They were both freed and allowed to move Lu-Lu’s body back to the camp.

“She was only 17…” James muttered as he sat down next to Nami and Anka.

“We know.” Nami muttered.

“And those things think that they’re going to take you both as their brides?” Nagi clenched his fist.

“Think might just be the key word, there.” James muttered.

“That bastard has already killed Lu-Lu…” Lucas muttered. “He isn’t going to go near you again…Anka”

“Was that an honest promise?” Anka asked, cocking her head.

“Yes.” Lucas replied evenly.

“There has to be a way around them getting their hands on you two again…” Nagi said darkly, between gritted teeth.

“I could only think of one…but I don’t know what the outcome might be…” Nami muttered as she laid her head on Nagi’s shoulder.

“What would that be?” James asked curiously.

“In the Ancient Egyptian times, you had to wed as a virgin.” Nami replied.

“It might work.” Nagi commented.

“That was completely an honest answer and all.” James sighed.

“It’s worth a shot.” Nami shrugged.

“Yeah, well…that takes care of you not marrying some scary demon—what about me?” Anka asked in a growl.

“Ahem…” Lucas cleared his throat.

“Demon for $1500...” Anka replied.

“He’s not that bad…” Chloe finally spoke.

“Then have your fun.” Anka replied. “If it doesn’t work, I’m not about to say that the highlight of my trip was losing my virginity to Lucas!”

“I’m sure that some demonologist would know what to do.” Drake muttered.

“There we go. Do you know their names?” Jewel asked.

“Ryushi and Akra.” Nami muttered.

“They were sealed away by a Hymn of Chaos.” Anka added.

“And you read it and awoke them?” Summer asked as she entered the tent.

“Obviously.” Nagi replied.

“What can we do?” James asked nervously.

“We have to research them to see how to return them to their previous lore.” Summer muttered. “There are no loopholes to beating a contract with those two, however. If you made them any promises, you must either: seal them, kill them, kill you, or fulfill them.” Summer explained.

“And you’re not about to be or about to watch our good friends be raped by demons.” Nagi growled.

“And you’re not going to lose your head for a dead girl and two injured ones.” Summer countered.

“What if we lose our virginity?” Anka asked.

“If they knew you were virgins and will only take you as such, the deal is broken and you are free.” Summer replied.

“I sense a but.” Nami murmured.

“But, if they want you anyway, you are to become their demon brides.” Summer replied with a shrug, “Or they may become angered by your actions and decide to kill the lot of you out of spite.”

Anka stood, frowning, “Why don’t we just focus on finding a way to seal them away again, then? Surely there’s something that could aid us…”

“We’ll do what we can.” Summer shook her head, “I can’t believe that demons were restored to this plane simply by reading the inscription upon a wall…”

“Yes, well, in this day and age- anything is possible…” Nami murmured.

“I need some air.” Anka said, quickly excusing herself into the hot evening air.

The camp was oddly silent, probably due to the fact of everything that had occurred, Anka had no doubt that the workers were either fleeing or sticking to their tents, hoping to be kept out of whatever she and Nami had caused. Anka brought a hand to her mouth, fighting back a sob and nausea, “It’s our fault Lu-Lu’s dead… My fault…” She bit back her tears.

“Anka?” She was approached by Tristan, who placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, “I’m sorry that you and Nami have to go through what you’re going through right now, if there was anything I could do… I would, you know that, right?”

Anka bit her lip and nodded, “I know… I just wish that we’d have known what that inscription actually meant… I never would have read it out loud…” She struggled to keep her voice steady, “I can’t forgive myself for what happened to Lu-Lu…”

“It’s alright.” Tristan drew her into a hug, “We won’t let those guys get you- either of you.”

“It’s not alright!” Tears blinded Anka, “It’s not alright because Lu-Lu’s dead; and if we do something stupid, Akra and Ryushi will kill all of you too!”

“We’re here for you.” Tristan murmured, tightening his grip around her waist comfortingly.

Nagi paced the tent, his features in deep thought, “So, we plan on finding a demonologist, correct? We will need as many resources as can be pooled. The internet, phone books, etcetera. We have three days- three days to get rid of these demons…”

“It will be a highly difficult task to accomplish in such a short amount of time.” James murmured, his tone thoughtful, “And we still have to contact… Lu-Lu’s family.”

“I’ll do it.” Anka stood in the doorway, Tristan right behind her, “I-I’ll need her phone though.”

Anka strode over to Lu-Lu’s cot, squeezing her eyes shut to avoid seeing Lu-Lu’s corpse again. She knelt down and reached through Lu-Lu’s things, bringing out Lu-Lu’s phone. Yaryck nibbled her fingers affectionately, startling her as he appeared from within Lu-Lu’s bags. Anka pat him and stood stiffly, “I’ll be outside.” She murmured.

“I’ll come too.” Nami said, leaving no room for argument, Nagi placed a hand on her shoulder, indicating that he planned to accompany them as well.

Anka dialed and pressed the phone to her ear, taking several deep breaths to calm herself, “Mr. Hiltyn?” She spoke slowly, “I-It’s Anka. I’m calling because… because Lu-Lu was killed.” She paused for a moment, and winced, pulling the phone a few inches from her ear to avoid being deafened, “No, sir, it’s not a joke. I would never kid about something happening to Lu-Lu. S-she was murdered by two men at the dig site; there was nothing any of us could do…”

Nami held out her hand for the phone, and Anka immediately dropped it into her palm, “This is Nami,” She spoke clearly, “Sir, please, just send somebody here to see for yourself… Bring Lu-Lu back home for a proper burial.” Her voice was soft and hoarse by the time she finished, “I’m so sorry for what happened… She was our best friend and I would have gladly given up my life for hers had it been possible. No… thank you, we’ll be waiting for you, sir. Goodbye.” She closed the phone, “He’ll be coming here personally for her and… Anka, he wants revenge. He’ll try and go after those two demons…”

“We’ll have to mislead him.” Anka murmured, “Otherwise he’ll die too… No matter what sort of connections he has.”

Nagi squeezed Nami’s shoulder affectionately, “When will he be here?” He asked.

“Sometime near dawn.” Nami replied, “He’s sworn to employ his fastest jet… He sounded terribly upset.”

“Here, why don’t you two get some rest?” Nagi suggested, leading them back into the tent, “It’s been a hectic day, we’ll continue brainstorming back at James’ tent.”

“-honestly, this place is becoming more and more like a pigsty every year!” A loud, female voice complained.

“Please, there has been some trouble.” It was Victor’s voice that caught their attention next.

“Trouble? Like what?” The three of them turned to see Claudia, Jade, and Victor rushing towards them, “Don’t tell me some of my miscreant students have been causing problems yet again…”

“A student was killed Miss Huntington.” Victor replied, “Two demons were restored to life and slew her down in the pyramid.”

Jade snorted, “Demons? Please, you can’t tell me you still believe in such silly things! Covering up for some accident?”

“A student died?” Claudia demanded, “Who?”

“It was Lu-Lu Hiltyn, ma’am.” Victor replied, “And she was slain by demons.”

Claudia pushed past Nagi, Nami, and Anka, entering the tent haughtily. She took in the scene inside, “More tricks? I’ve had enough of this trip. James, get the students together, we’re leaving tonight.”

“We can’t leave!” Anka argued, entering the tent, “Then everyone will be in danger!”

“You’ll be the ones in danger if you don’t hurry and get yourselves packed and on that bus in the next ten minutes!” Claudia hissed furiously.

“We can’t go, Claudia.” James shook his head, “There’s trouble that needs tended.”

“Please,” Claudia shook her head, “save me the stories. Everyone had best be packed and ready to go now!”

“No.” They chorused simultaneously.

“No?” Claudia’s eyes almost bulged from her head and a vein pulsed in her temple, “No?” She grabbed Anka and Nami by their forearms roughly, “You’ll come or the lot of you will be left here. Jade and I will be waiting on the bus with these two.” She said coldly, turning and dragging the two girls from the tent.

“You’d best listen.” Jade muttered, stopping in the doorway to face them, “We’re not in the United States right now and Claudia won’t hesitate to hurt either one of those promiscuous bitches.” She laughed, “I think I’ll join in the fun.” She skipped from the tent, following Claudia immediately to the bus.

Nagi ground his teeth together in irritation and worry, “What are we going to do?”

“What can we do?” James sighed, “We’re in a bind… You students go; you need to get to safety. I’ll stay here with Lu-Lu until her father arrives in the morning, I’ll follow as soon as I can.”

“But what about those demon things?” Chloe demanded, shuddering, “Won’t they come after us when they realize we’re leaving?”

‘Nami and Anka made them promise not to hurt us.” Tristan pointed out, “Now we’ve got to do something to protect the two of them. Besides, if we can get away without notice, we can probably hide Nami and Anka away somewhere safe.”

“I like the sound of that…” Lucas muttered, thoughtful, “Let’s go, guys… We may as well get what we can take with us.”

“Leave your things.” James shook his head, “I’ll get them together in the morning as well.”

“You sure?” Parlé questioned, “It’s a lot of stuff… I mean your stuff, plus all of ours…”

“I can handle it.” James replied, “Go… you only have a few minutes anyway. Once we get back to the US, we’ll report Claudia to the police for some of the stunts she is pulling.”

“Good luck, Doc.” Conner muttered, glancing over at Lu-Lu’s cot, “Stay safe.”

“You too.” James smiled ruefully, “This is nothing like the trip we had planned… I apologize.”

“No sweat.” Drake shook his head, “See you later.” He left the tent and the others exchanged goodbyes with James before heading out as well.

Slowly the group boarded the bus, glaring at their teacher and her pet student who had Nami and Anka pinned in their seats, “We’re here, so let them go.” Nagi growled.

“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen.” Claudia shook her head, grinning maliciously, “These two have caused a lot of trouble and drugged myself and Jade… No, they’re not getting off as easy as all that.”

Jade looked around, “Where’re James and Lu-Lu?” She glared.

“Lu-Lu is dead,” Nami stated dryly, biting back her tears.

“And James stayed behind to greet her father when he arrives in the morning.” Drake said,

“Leave Nami and Anka alone!” Jewel exclaimed bitterly, “Once we get back to the states, you’ll be in trouble if you lay a single hand on them!”

Claudia sneered at her, “Get a move on, driver.” She growled; with a jerk that sent Jewel sprawling into the aisle, the bus started its slow crawl away from the dig site.

Act III
“What’s that?” The driver squinted against the headlights as two shadowy figures came into view in front of the bus.

He slammed his foot down on the brake; he was too late in the action and gave the wheel a jerk to avoid hitting either of the two men that stood in the street. The bus tilted dangerously and for a breathless moment it remained moving on only two wheels before it fell to the side and rolled down an incline of sand.

The windows shattered and sand poured in, several of the students released startled exclamations as they were tossed this way and that before, at last, the bus stilled. Claudia stood, a dangerous gleam in her eyes as she picked up several shards of glass, ignoring as it bit into her fingers and palm, “You two are the ones…” She hissed at Nami and Anka, who huddled together.

“What are you talking about?” Nami demanded.

“The reason the curse lives… with your deaths, those two demons will be no more harmless than dear little spoiled dead Lu-Lu.” Claudia cackled insanely.

“B-back off!” Anka exclaimed, dragging Nami towards the broken windows.

They dove out into the sand, shortly followed by Claudia and Jade, who’d drawn a knife from her pocket. “You should be proud, having some meaning in your lives.” Jade sneered, “Dying to save your classmates.”

“Who exactly are you?” Nami demanded to know.

“No need for you to know.” Claudia muttered as she and Jade lunged at the two girls, slicing into their flesh easily.

Jade lifted her blood drenched blade into the air and made to plunge it into Nami’s chest, her hand froze midair and she cursed, “Ryushi!” She growled.

“And Akra.” Claudia muttered, unable to move as well.

“You’ve messed with our possessions.” Akra murmured darkly, “Tried to slay them before they could be ours. Tsk, tsk, Anna, Charlotte.”

“How dare you call us by those names!” Jade howled in rage.

“Those many years ago you may have slain our last pure wives… But you forget; you’re no longer virgins. You will never become our wives. That jealousy of yours… is misplaced. And now you will die.”

“We didn’t die then, and we won’t now!” Jade forced her arm lower, struggling against Ryushi’s barrier in attempts to slay Nami.

“You didn’t die then because you made your deal with the devil.” Ryushi muttered, “And to seal your deal… You gave up your purity… And you, Anna, masking your youth with the face of an elderly woman, I’m surprised.”

Claudia drew back her arm and threw the bloody glass at him in rage, “I won’t see you married to these…. These mortals.”

Ryushi blocked the glass easily and he and Akra approached the two women, “You are fools to face us again.” Akra snarled.

Claudia leapt to her feet as Akra lunged at her, his graceful body drawing ever closer to her. She could barely follow his movements, and was shocked when she felt something pierce the cavity of her chest- Akra’s fist. He drew it back, drenched in her blood, and she gasped, staggering backwards in agony, “I only ever… loved you…” She muttered, the façade of the elderly woman faded and was replaced by a young woman fair of flesh with dark ringlets about her face. “Bloody… demon…” Claudia closed her eyes and collapsed.

“Anna!” Jade screamed in rage and agony, “No!” She staggered backwards and brought her fingers up to her throat, her wide eyes focused on Ryushi, “How-?” She fell forward and her head rolled into the pit of sand.

“Anka, Nami!” Tristan, Lucas, Nagi, and Drake dove from the bus, having at last regained their senses. They circled the girls defensively before Akra and Ryushi, “You leave them alone.” Drake growled, balling his hands into fists.

“Humans are such odd creatures.” Akra tsked, laughing, “Who do you think you’re dealing with?” He lifted his hand.

“You’re bound by oath to do no harm to friends of Nami and Anka!” Nagi stated boldly.

Akra frowned, he and Ryushi circled them, “Bound by a bargain that was broken.” He smirked.

“No, it was not broken.” Nagi said firmly, “They kept to their word and did not leave. They were forced onto that bus without their consent, and as such, their word has not been broken.”

“Clever child.” Ryushi murmured, “But never mind, we can rid of you without doing harm.” He glanced over at Akra, who nodded.

They both knelt, touching their palms to the sand. A quake rattled the earth and Lucas let out an exclamation of surprise as he sank almost immediately down into the sands, “Then you will slumber deeply.” Akra replied coldly, and before any of them could do anything, they, too, were absorbed into the depths of the sand.

The other students that were still trapped in the bus rushed for the broken windows as the metal creaked and groaned; and as sand poured in from the outside. “No!” Chloe and Jewel screamed simultaneously as their last exit was blocked, and soon darkness overcame them all.

Anka groaned softly and her eyes fluttered open, the remnants of the girls’ screams echoing in her ears, “What’s going on?” She murmured, struggling to sit up.

She let out a yelp of surprise as she was swept into the air, and her surprise turned to frustration when she recognized Akra, “Put me down!” She demanded, “Nami and I still have two days!” She looked around frantically.

“Nay.” Akra muttered, “Your time has been cancelled. You girls will come with us now to be wedded.”

“I refuse.” Anka said stubbornly.

“You have no say in the matter.” Ryushi commented, he held Nami’s unconscious form in his arms, “The matrimony will be held this very eve.”

“Nagi?” Nami murmured, her eyes opening slightly, “Where is Nagi?!” She demanded.

“Sleeping.” Ryushi answered simply, “Where he and your friends will remain for an eternity.”

“No!” Nami exclaimed, moaning as she was jolted.

Akra and Ryushi laughed together, “Rest pure ones… For tonight we shall join.” Akra said.

Back where the bus had been lay Parlé, somehow he’d escaped the fate of his comrades and now he stumbled back towards the camp unsteadily, horror visible on his face when he passed the corpses of Claudia and Jade. He walked for nearly an hour before the tents came into sight, “Help!” He called; his voice weak.

Scott and another young man came into sight, bearing firearms. They aimed carefully at Parlé’s chest as they approached him, and when they finally managed to recognize him, they lowered the muzzle, “What are you doing out here?” Scott demanded, “I thought that your group had left?”

Parlé gripped his head, swaying dangerously on his feet, “D-dead, Claudia and Jade are dead… The others were dragged into the sand… Those demons have Anka and Nami…” His words were broken and spoken slowly as he slumped to the ground in a daze.

“Erik, go get James, this is one of his students.” Scott demanded of his companion.

“Right.” Erik nodded quickly, turning and running back into the camp.

Scott helped Parlé to his feet, “It’ll be fine…” He muttered, “Can you walk still?”

Parlé nodded slowly, “Yeah…” He said slowly.

He and Scott moved slowly through the tents, and at last they reached the medical tent, “Abby?” Scott called.

“What is it?” Abby reappeared, drying her hands on a towel, “Oh my, is he okay?” She bustled quickly over to the duo.

“He’s fine I think…” Scott shrugged, “he might be in shock though…”

James burst into the tent just after Abby had gotten Parlé onto one of the cots, “What happened?” He demanded.

“Apparently there was trouble.” Scott replied, “You’ll have to get him to tell you the whole story when he wakes.” He jerked his head towards Parlé.

“Where are my other students?” James questioned Scott.

“He wasn’t making much sense.” Scott said, “Said something about them being dragged into the sand…”

“All of them?” James asked, incredulous and horrified.

“Claudia and Jade were slain apparently.” Scott replied, “And the demons got a hold of Anka and Nami.”

James cursed, “We’ve got to get back into that pyramid to save them.” He said firmly.

“Hell no.” Scott shook his head, “I’m out of here in the morning, I’m not jeopardizing my life for your students.”

“I’ll go.” Summer stood in the doorway of the tent; her tone was firm, serious.

“Summer, you can’t!” Scott objected immediately.

“They’re kids, Scott.” Summer said coldly, “High School students for crying out loud. There’s no way I’d abandon them for fear of my life.”

“Summer, we leave in only a few hours!” Scott shook his head firmly.

“I’m sorry, Scott. What would you do if that were me down there?” Summer crossed her arms, “We are engaged, would you abandon me to save yourself?”

Scott cursed under his breath, “Fine, we go. But we get out of there as soon as possible should things turn sour, understand?”

Summer nodded, smiling, “Understood.” She said.

“Let’s go, then.” James muttered, leaving the tent.

The three of them walked slowly towards the pyramid, it was dark and foreboding, the lights having been doused. Summer produced three flashlights, handing one to each of them, “Be careful.” She murmured feelingly, “We’ll rescue those girls, and the rest of your students, don’t worry, James.”

James nodded grimly and was the first to enter the pyramid. They walked several minutes in determined silence, stepping down into the newly discovered portion of the pyramid. He led the group pointedly down another path, putting up a hand for them to halt when they neared the next room. He moved forward slowly, peering around the corner. James made a strange noise in the back of his throat and Summer immediately ran to his side, bringing her hand to her mouth in horror. Scott grudgingly approached them. “Holy-” He couldn’t finish.

Behind a screen of some membrane-esque substance rested the bodies of the students, their eyes closed and their flesh pale. “What is this?” James demanded, racing forward and peeling through the membrane, it grew back around his arms and he gasped, yanking himself backwards.

In disgust James peeled the remnants of the strange substance from his arms, watching as it melted into the floor. “I don’t understand; why are they all here?” Summer questioned in awe, looking around, “These poor kids…” She touched the substance and recoiled, “It’s disgusting… Feels slimy, and at the same time sticky...” She made a sour face.

There were voices in the next room and James immediately silenced the others. “I refuse!” It was Anka’s voice.

“You have no say.” An unfamiliar male voice stated calmly, “You will be bedded by myself this very eve.”

“Never!” It was Nami’s voice now, “Me and Anka will never succumb to either of you- Akra and Ryushi. You’ve broken your word willingly. I’d sooner die than sleep with you.”

“You might just get your wish.” Ryushi sneered, his tone was cold, though alluring.

“What, you think you’ll exist for long without us?” Anka laughed hollowly, “We read the stories and legends upon these walls. We heard your interaction with Claudia and Jade. With our deaths, you return to being bound in this hell.”

Anka released a pained yelp, “All we have to do is bed you.” Akra growled, “We need only to deflower you, and your deaths would be meaningless. You should be honored that we’d consider marrying a couple of mortals such as yourselves.”

“Leave her alone, bastard!” Nami shouted; James peered around the corner in time to see Nami strike Akra, who released Anka to fall to the ground.

Nami knelt immediately by her friend, clutching at her side, James was shocked to see blood leak through her fingers, “You okay?” She murmured.

Anka merely nodded, “Fine…” She murmured, sitting up, she too grasped her side in pain.

Ryushi and Akra glared down at the two girls, “Fine.” Ryushi growled, glancing over at Akra, who nodded, “We will skip the marriages, seeing as how you’re both so anxious to move on to the main event.” His lips curled back into a smirk.

“They’re not going to…” James asked himself.

“You’re disgusting.” Nami leered at Ryushi with unforgiving sadness.

“You say that as if it were to mean something.” Ryushi replied.

“You can’t get a woman on your own charm so you have to take it!? That’s just down-right pathetic.” Nami growled.

“Whether we force you or not…we still get what we want and no lowly mortal can have you entirely to themselves.” Akra replied.

“They say we as if it’s some kinky thing that’s going to happen…” James muttered to himself as he hid behind the corner.

“So, how horrible would it be if we weren’t pure and you just wasted your time?” Nami asked, trying to bait a ruse.

“Not as horrible as your punishment for lying to us.” Akra replied.

“A hypothetical isn’t a lie.” Nami shook her finger chidingly.

“Do you really think that it is wise to taunt them?” Anka asked.

“Probably not.” Nami shrugged. “I’ve lost Nagi, Lu-Lu and our other friends. You and my virginity are the only things that I have left to lose and it looks like we’re both about ruined anyhow.”

“How can you be so nonchalant about these things?” Anka asked.

“I prefer to call it melodramatic. I’m just putting things into perspective. I don’t have anything that I am happily looking forward to, so why bother?” Nami sighed.

“Stop your incoherent babbling.” Ryushi sneered.

“What else can you possibly do to me?” Nami asked him darkly.

“I can make things a lot worse.” Ryushi remarked.

“I doubt that.” Nami crossed her arms and continued leering at him.

“Since we’re not getting the traditional wedding, should we even bother with dressing them?” Akra asked as he watched Nami’s hateful resentment and Anka’s overwhelming angst.

“Why not? We can have our fun and they won’t be in such odd garments.” Ryushi easily picked Nami up and began caressing the fabrics of her shirt curiously. “It’s of black, but it is not rough…it’s so…weird…”

“You’re the most…whimsical demon that I have ever seen…” Nami commented as he began comparing the texture of her shirt to that of her skirt and boots.

“It’s amazing…” Ryushi poked her boots and began sniffing her as well. “The modern woman is more smooth, more oddly clad and much better smelling than the Egyptian women of our time.”

Nami stood in one place, still observing Ryushi’s avid curiosity. She shuddered defensively when he sniffed her clothing. “Are you done yet…because I’d feel more comfortable being raped than taking much more of this….”

“Huh?” Ryushi asked, completely lost in his own world. “Did you say something?”

“Nope, nothing…” Nami sighed as he continued to explore his curiosity.

“He is not seriously a demon…is he?” Anka asked.

“I still don’t believe it’s true—but that’s what everybody says.” Akra replied.

“He’s very risqué with his…erm…curiosity…” Nami blushed.

“Why would you say that?” Akra shifted his head to the side. Nami held up her hand and revealed his saliva.

“He’s been licking me since he finished smelling me.” Nami replied.

“Are they going to eat them?” James asked himself as he watched Ryushi in disbelief.

“You taste good.” Ryushi managed to say between licks.

“I’m not going to take that as a compliment. It’s too weird.” Nami blinked as he began licking her boot.

“Is there any place you won’t put your tongue?” Anka asked, trying not to chuckle.

“Don’t give him ideas!” Nami shouted.

“What ideas?” Ryushi asked.

“There’s more skin than just what’s showed from the lack of clothing.” Anka replied.

“Oooooh.” Ryushi smirked.

“Anka!” Nami hissed.

“You were making things worse for both of us when you were taunting so this is my way of saying bitch, don’t drag me down with you because I’ll get you back. It’s nothing personal or anything like that.” Anka shrugged.

“Do women normally like what Ryushi’s doing?” Akra quirked an eyebrow.

“Not that I know of…but hey, Nami’s an odd girl.” Anka shrugged again, still grinning as Nami gritted her teeth in resentment.

“I’ll take the rape if your promise to remove your tongue from me.” Nami growled.

“Oh—deflowering you…that’s right.” Ryushi stood back up and grabbed Nami’s wrist. “She tastes and smells just too tempting. Forget about dressing them up! I can’t wait much longer!”

“Wow.” Anka muttered as she was picked up yet again by Akra. “He is so much like Lucas it isn’t funny.”

“He is like Lucas.” Nami and Anka both frowned as the fate of their friends returned to mind. “Except even Lucas had some dignity.”

“Who would have thought that somebody was more indignant than Lucas?” Anka asked as she remembered his hilarious antics to bed all of the pretty girls that he met.

“So, why not just demand virgin sacrifices from villages and use them to get your cheap thrills?” Nami asked with a deep breath.

“Because it’s more fun watching you squirm.” Ryushi replied with an evil grin.

I can’t believe that something about that reply just turned me on…Nami thought.

And I can’t believe that you forgot that I can hear thoughts. Ryushi replied in thought. Nami’s face reddened as she heard his reply and gulped.

Ryushi glanced over at Nami, “I think it was the fangs.”

“What are you talking about?” Akra asked in confusion.

“Nothing.” Nami replied before Ryushi could even open his mouth.

“Where are we going to exactly?” Anka asked, trying to remain calm despite the situation at hand.

“Let’s just say that even the ancient Egyptians had their S and M kicks in temples.” Ryushi smirked, being sure to reveal his fangs in his grin.

Nami leered at him resentfully. “You’re not going to let that go, are you?”

“I could never take away the one moment that I may have had a chance to be your love, Nami.” Ryushi replied.

“No, that thought was more along the lines of lust—not quite the same as love.” Nami replied defensively.

“Even better for the occasion, don’t you think?” Ryushi made eye contact with her and held it until she looked away.

“Seriously, what are you talking about?” Akra asked his tone annoyed.

“Yeah, you can’t bait us in on a conversation and not fill in the juicy details. That’s just not fair to the curious company.” Anka murmured.

“It’s plenty fair if it amuses us.” Ryushi stuck his tongue out childishly and continued toward their destination a few paces ahead of them.

“Wow, he is seriously not a demon.” Anka shook her head in disbelief.

“He’s always like this so don’t bother asking.” Akra said dryly.

Ryushi stopped and read the hieroglyphs aloud, “Master of Mind and Illusion.”

“That’s you.” Akra nodded.

“I think I would remember where my own honorary torture chamber is, thank you.” Ryushi brashly remarked as he started into the doorway with Nami. “You’re being oddly quiet. Is there something you need to talk about?”

“Huh!?” Nami gasped in disbelief. “You’re going to rape me and also ask if there’s a problem!? You are without doubt the worst demon that I have ever met!”

“No need for name calling.” Ryushi replied.

“You’re so much like a child—I can’t believe I’m being raped by you.” Nami muttered.

“I’m not charming and witty enough for your likings?” Ryushi asked defensively.

“Not even close.” Nami replied, crossing her arms.

“Ah! How dare you!?” Ryushi turned away from her sulking. “You weren’t supposed to answer that!”

“That’s why I did.” Nami rplied dryly.

“I know that I’m obviously not good enough for you.” Ryushi replied point blank. Nami blinked in disbelief at his words. “Otherwise I wouldn’t have to rape you.”

“In some…twisted way…you have an excellent point and I almost pity you.” Nami replied. “I can’t believe I feel this bad for somebody else when I’m about to be raped by a demon…” Nami shook her head.

“I don’t think he’ll go through with it.” Akra muttered.

“Oh?” Anka hinted at a want for more reasoning.

“He likes her too much.” Akra replied.

“Lucky me that you’re more of a man.” Anka sarcastically muttered.

“If he does, he’ll cry more than her.” Akra turned down a hallway and read the hieroglyphs to himself and nodded as he continued down the hall.

“I don’t know who to pity most right now—Ryushi, Nami or me…” Anka sighed.

“The bed is this way.” Akra casually explained.

“How am I being so damn calm about this whole event?” Anka asked herself, barely audible.

“Ryushi may be a bit callow, but he is an amazing illusionist and mind reader.” Akra replied. “I do the physical things and the barriers while he does everything that most people only dream of doing.”

“And his brilliance has led him into that…?” Anka sighed as the bed came into view.

“Unfortunately he feels the need to experience what he over-looked as a human.” Akra replied coolly.

“Why doesn’t he just manipulate our free will if it’s so important to him to have Nami’s approval?”

“He has too much pride to substitute it.” Akra replied. “And how did you know about that?”

“It’s obviously why he’s been showing off—trust me when I say that most guys don’t grow out of it.” Anka explained and still thought of all of the events leading to the current situation.

“My torture chamber!” Ryushi cheered as he saw the shackles and other means of torture strung about the room.

“Why is there a random bed that is well-furnished in the middle of a torture chamber?” Nami asked as she sat on it, only to test its comfort.

“Virgin sacrifices.” Ryushi replied.

“Ever used?” Nami asked as she stretched out for comfort.

“Nope, you’d be the one to start me with breaking it in…” Ryushi trailed off with a frown.

“What’s wrong?” Nami sat up and met his gaze.

“Is it really rape? I mean…you could have fought with us to come…but neither of you even so much as thought of running or fighting.” Ryushi muttered.

“We know that there’s no use in trying.” Nami replied with a shrug.

“I am the one to deflower you, right?” Ryushi asked with a grin.

“Ummm…yes…” Nami replied. Confused.

“Hmmmm….” Ryushi joined her in laying on the bed for comfort.

“What are you thinking about?”

“How it’s not entirely rape.” Ryushi replied.

“How so?” Nami glared at his accusation.

“Here.” Ryushi pinned her down and kissed her and pulled away.

“What does that prove?” Nami asked.

“You were curious enough to not fight me. You might be curious enough to not fight me during the upcoming events.” Ryushi replied with his vampyric grin.

“You are evil…” Nami replied, crossing her arms in mild embarrassment.

“We both know that you love it,” Ryushi pressed his lips against hers again. Nami pressed her arms against his chest to attempt to push him off of her. When he forced her arms off of his chest, he pressed her and his body together. Nami kept trying to fight Ryushi off, but to no avail. “What’s wrong?”

“No matter how hard you try, I’m not going to want this.” Nami replied.

“I’ll make you a deal.” Ryushi replied as he moved her hair from her face. Nami locked eyes with him. “I want you to honestly kiss me, honestly trying. If you’re still not attracted to me—then I’ll stop.”

Nami nodded, “Deal.” She brushed her nose against his and closed her eyes, deep in thought. As his lips met hers, something inside of her clicked. Her fists were no longer defensively against his chest. Her fingers were tangled in Ryushi’s dark black hair and his were provocatively at the small of her back. As soon as Ryushi broke the kiss, Nami started the next one. “I wasn’t done, yet,” She muttered.

Ryushi chuckled and began to caress her skin. “I told you so…” he trailed off with a smirk and eagerness.

“You’re controlling my will…that’s not fair…” Nami muttered as he slipped her top off and began to work on his own.

“I draw the line at controlling people,” Ryushi replied as he hand met her thigh.

“You’re not controlling me?”

“I see…you don’t know what you want in life…” Ryushi replied before he bit down on her neck. Nami flinched from the pain and gasped from the rush he gave her. His cold blue eyes had changed to reflecting something other than emptiness.

“I know that this isn’t what I want.”

“Who are you trying to fool…me or you?” Ryushi met her gaze and she gasped as his cold fingers caressed her sensitive skin.

“Curiosity does not fuel desires…” Nami grumbled.

“Oh, contraire, Nami,” Ryushi traced her outline with his fingertips. “I was curious about you being human and able to break me free. My curiosity led me to this desire to make you mine.” He tangled his fingers with hers and stared at them thoughtfully.

“I’m curious—and it has nothing to do with you.” Nami leered at Ryushi as he removed the last articles of both of their clothing.

“Virgin ex-boyfriend?” Nami didn’t reply with anything more than crossing her arms. “Heh, I’ll still out-do him any day.”

“You can’t replace my Nagi.” Nami replied with tears in her eyes.

Ryushi said nothing and laid her flat on her back. He continued kissing her and despite her conscience’s objections, she still kissed him and caressed his icy flesh. “You’re so warm…” he muttered in her ear. Her fingers tensed around his back as he continued. She felt a quick pain that quickly changed into a pleasure for more. He still continued to kiss her as she clawed at his back in an odd mix of pleasure and pain. Each time he paused she nipped at him to beg him to continue. He smiled as she kissed his neck and sent chills up his spine. His eyes never broke his gaze form her eyes, save the very rare blinking. Seeing her satisfaction with him, he was compelled to continue. “You smell nice.” He blushed at she pulled him down, closer to her.

“So do you…” Nami muttered something other than moans of pleasure. For that moment at least her conscience was over-ridden by the intense pleasure that Ryushi gave her. Now that she wasn’t obsessed with hating him, she could finally admit to herself that his sharp features were very attractive. His build was very appealing and his touch was just amazing. He never smelled bad and wasn’t that bad—if you could get over his impudence, foolish pride, callow moments and sardonic comments.

“You can’t think that highly of me, now. We’ve just met,” Ryushi replied with a grin.
 
“You heard it yourself.”

“I’m quite pleased with your opinions though…” Ryushi blushed as she started another kiss. His eyes closed automatically when she forced him closer to her with his own hair. His hands were embracing her as much as he could. “You shouldn’t think badly of yourself—you’re beautiful and most men are too afraid to give you a second glance because of that power you have over them,” Ryushi commented.

“You’re getting a bit personal…” Nami blushed as he began kissing her in return.

“You’re in one of those instances where there aren’t many ways to be closer to somebody. Even I can’t help but read you in this situation.” Ryushi gave her a crooked smirk that made her want to kiss him more.

James looked about in the room where the demons were talking to the girls a few minutes prior. “That must have been the inscription that they read,” James commented reading the wall that was opposite to the entrance. “I’ll save you one way or another…” James pulled out a marker and began scribbling on the hieroglyphics.

“James, what are you doing?” Summer asked, quirking an eyebrow.

“Sharpie—write out loud.” James held the sharpie up for her to see it clearly.

“That doesn’t explain anything,” Summer replied, crossing her arms.

“If I change the hieroglyphics, then the girls wouldn’t have woken the demons.” James tried to hide the frustration in his voice and actions.

“You may be on to something—but you’re not a priest or priestess. You have no power here, especially not over such demons,” Summer explained.
“I’m not sure…” Akra muttered almost inaudible. He brushed his white hair from his face and pressed his lips on Anka’s. He grabbed her wrists and forced them down on the bed with his left hand and continued to undress her with his right hand.

“No! Stop!” Anka fought, failing to improve her situation. She struggled against his weight and only put herself in a more helpless position. She was completely nude, now, beneath a demon that controlled physical strength, whom was likewise nude. Akra’s bare body was forced upon Anka, finally getting what it intended. Anka still grunted and struggled as Akra continued forcing his lips upon her. Her wrists hurt, as did the rest of her body. She knew that it wasn’t in anybody’s better interest for her resistance, but giving up seemed to be the best option. With a sigh, Anka stopped resisting. Akra was surprisingly gentle after that. With all bitter regret in her body and mind, Anka never took her eyes off of Akra’s. His eyes were a beautiful mix of blue and grey which looked silver in certain lightings. She would never return his vows of affection; she just laid beneath him, taking her fate.

“You don’t want to fight me?”

“It doesn’t matter what I do—my fate is inevitable.” Anka held back her tears by biting her lip. Akra sensed her sadness and began caressing her body with his silk fingers. His lips met every sensitive part of her body that he could reach while still pleasing himself.

“It’s more fun when you fight.” Akra smirked as she stared darkly into his soul. He knew what she was thinking and he didn’t need Ryushi’s abilities. She hated herself and him for allowing it to happen and for him being the practitioner of her suffering.

“I’m just not going to give you yet another pleasure. You’re dirty, rotten and despicable.” Anka bit him as hard as she could when she had a clean shot of his neck. He threw his head back defensively and bit his lip as hard as he could. His wound drew blood as hers merely broke blood vessels beneath the flesh. With a smirk and forced his tongue and bloody mouth onto Anka’s and pulled himself closer to climax. Anka still refused to scream or moan although she was subdued by the taste of blood.

“Is there anything that we can do about the students?” James asked as they watched through the goo that captivated the students. Only Parlé managed to escape from the demonic wrath and watching his students as statues frozen in time was morbid and just wrong. He bit back his tears as he waited for a reply.

“We’re looking into a demonologist and some Wiccans. Perhaps some of them know the least bit of anything pertaining to Ryushi and Akra—hopefully this…gel…also,” Scott replied as he crossed his arms.

“If only looks could kill…” James was now holding open his wallet and staring down at a picture of himself and the nine students that he adored.

“Why do you say that, James?” Summer approached Scott and James with a solemn expression as well.

“Ryushi wants Nami as his wife, right?” James reached into his pocket casually.

Summer and Scott nodded in reply.

“Nagi was so protective of her. He could never tell her that he always loved her and that he still does. Even sitting here, frozen in time—I can tell that he still loves her. If he could have killed Ryushi with one of his defensive glares…Lord knows that he would have.” James wiped a tear from his eye as his lip trembled. “And there was always Lu-Lu. She was always so upbeat. Lucas loved her too. He did what she wanted, even though he loved her, and I still believe that he does too.”

“James…” Scott handed James a tissue and took one himself. “Which one was the protective Nagi?” James pointed to Nagi in the picture. With a nod, Scott glanced at Nagi’s mannequin countenance.

“We’ll save them. We promise you, James.” Summer placed her hand confidently on James’ shoulder.

Nami’s mind battled with her again. “What’s happening?” Nami glanced about and saw Ryushi still managing to fornicate with her. “Get off of me!” Nami forced Ryushi to the ground and covered up with a sheet protectively.

“You half wanted it.” Ryushi replied, wiping blood from his face.

“You-you-you raped me!” Nami cried, tears flooding to her eyes. “I never would have consented to anything with anybody but Nagi!”

“You kissed me back! You told me that I could continue!” Ryushi was pushing his nude body off of the ground.

“I don’t remember that!” Nami let the tears fall from her cheeks, “Nagi…”

“You honestly don’t remember?” Ryushi sat on the bed near her.

“No!” Nami’s teary eyes met Ryushi’s confused grimace.

“ Charlotte and Anna.” Ryushi said nothing more as his eyes likewise welled up with tears. He sat on the bed in despair as Nami coiled close to a wall.

“What about them?” Nami finally muttered between sobs.

“I am so sorry!” Ryushi cried, his icy eyes filled with pain, despair, shame and desperation as he began kissing the sheets near Nami. “I thought that you were consenting…and one of them possessed you…”

“What?” Nami slid herself down to meet Ryushi. “You weren’t going to rape me?”

“I could never rape you. What kind of monster would I be if I forced away innocence wittingly?” Ryushi met her gaze.

“A demon.” Nami shrugged.

Ryushi placed his fingers guiding beneath her chin to make sure that she was looking at him. She sat up, still gazing into his eyes. Her tears were nearly gone as she leaned in toward him. Nami pressed her lips against his as her hand automatically strayed for his soft, luscious hair. When the kiss broke, Ryushi blinked in confusion. “Nami?”

“That one was real.” Nami explained. She pressed her lips to his cheek lovingly and continued to stroke his hair affectionately. Ryushi pressed his fingers to where her lips met his cheek and blushed.

“You’re still mine. I haven’t harmed your friends.” Ryushi could stop blushing.

“Except Lu-Lu.” Nami pointed out to him.

“She was merely an example.” Ryushi crossed his arms and smirked.

“She was only my friend, too.”

“The pact was made after her death, if you recall. Even I can’t change the past.” Ryushi replied to her by mirroring her resentful body language.

“Why her? Why anybody?” Nami’s tears continued to fall.

“Please, stop crying!” Ryushi begged in irritation. “I hate it when I make you cry!”

“One of my best friends is dead! I can’t be with the one I love! Another of my best friends is being raped by Akra! The rest of the group is either dying or helpless—I don’t know which! I awoke a demon who only wants to use me to partake in lust! Excuse me for being just a bit fucking downcast!” Nami snapped, quickly scrambling to her feet and attempting to redress herself.

Ryushi bit his lip and clenched his fist in anger. “You’re saying all of this out of honesty, aren’t you?”

“I’m damn well in no state to lie to a fucking mind-reader!” Nami replied coldly.

“Your happiness means nothing to me. I am sensitive to your emotions out of love—but you are nothing more than my new favorite possession.” Ryushi grabbed her wrist and forced her back into the bed. “I never raped you. You’re just so damned frustrated that you just had to relieve your frustration. You forgot all about your so-called beloved Nagi until you felt guilty. I am through giving you freedom. Your soul belongs to me!” Ryushi forced himself on her again and continued where he left off, only more forcefully.

Nami cried in frustration and pain. She couldn’t manage to throw him this time. She gritted her teeth and took the pain of Ryushi’s anger though rape. She felt so angered at herself for not being able to overpower this man.

“How much do you regret reading the inscriptions?” Akra asked as his free hand brushed Anka’s cheek. Anka’s tears fell from pain and self-hatred. “Answer me!” Akra slapped Anka and reddened her cheek. She only leered at him. She gave him no more satisfaction than the tears. Her lips quivered as his still blood spattered lips touched hers in intervals. “If you don’t answer me, I promise to make you suffer more…”

“Go ahead. What more can you do to me?” Anka replied in a detached tone.

Akra made it difficult for Anka to breathe by placing the most of his weight on her. Her eyes finally looked away from his lecherous eyes. She felt more relieved when she didn’t have to watch him desecrate her body. Akra took his free hand and held her chin. Her head was trapped and she was more desperate than ever to be freed.

“I can make things much worse.” Akra grinned darkly. His fangs gleamed with lust. He bit into her neck and drew her blood to the surface. She flinched with the additional pain added to the forced sex. His nails were surprisingly sharp and they lacerated her in every place that he could manage to touch. The wounds were all fiery at first, than they all became icy and detached feeling. Numbness overcame her and her mind went dull. She was barely conscious and she wanted nothing less than death.

With another bite to her neck Anka let out a groan of pain and discomfort. “Damn…” Anka whispered.

“What was that?” Akra asked coolly as he licked her skin dry from all of the blood.

“I said nothing.” Anka replied evenly.

Akra forced all of his dead weight on her, “Liar!”

“What does it matter to a demon like you?” Anka sneered, hoping to enrage him further, to have him slay her and remove her agony at last.

“You apparently think that it will make a difference with your agony if you are being so defensive about it,” Akra brushed her hair from her disgruntled face.

“Don’t you fucking touch me affectionately!”

“Don’t you order somebody around who has your life at their very will!” Akra turned her over and stared at her limp body. “You’re so pathetic…”

“I’m not the one raping an innocent,” Anka sneered as his infuriated gaze met hers.

“Do you not care if you live or die?” Akra pressed his blood-stained lips to Anka’s.

Anka grunted and struggled to be able to speak, “No. If I could…I’d kill myself right now!*”

“And why is that?” Akra frowned, irritated, “You humans are such fickle creatures… I’ll never understand your kind… I’d rather not, anyway.” He laughed, a hollow sound, as his creamy fingers caressed her throat, his grip tightening, cutting off her breath as he lowered his lips to her ear, “That is why Ryushi and I will slay the human race by gaining the powers of the gods. But you… my dear, will become my wife one way or another.” He smirked at her pale face, though was disconcerted by the lack of emotion or struggle within her figure.

Anka wasn’t struggling to breathe, wasn’t trying to claw his hand from her throat. She lay there passively, her glare glassy. Finally, perplexed, he loosed his grasp on her throat, revealing dark bruises where he’d held her. Still, though, she didn’t attempt to draw in breath. She didn’t blink, though her gaze grew a defiance that annoyed him, his claws dug deeply into her jaw, and at last she drew in a sharp breath. “That’s better.” Akra withdrew his claws and cleaned them of her blood, “Mm, for a human you taste simply divine.”

“You get your filthy hands off of that mortal.” A deep, musical voice sounded, and Ryushi’s head shot to the side in surprise.

“Anoka!? You, but how?” Ryushi gasped as thorny vines bit into his flesh and he fell away from the sobbing Nami.

“I told you long ago that I would not allow you to exist on this plane. After you slew Adrianna… my bride 1300 years ago.” His smile was grim, and silver hair fell into emotional golden eyes. “Nami, rise and gather your clothing quickly. We must find Anka now.”

Nami slowly, painfully, pulled herself into a sitting position, drawing in several sharp breaths, “Who are you?” She asked slowly, “How do you know my name?”

“There is no time for questions.” Anoka replied gently, “Please, I know it is hard to understand, but I am here to aid you. Dress, quickly.”

Nami nodded and crawled off of the bed, she quickly gathered her clothing and dressed, stumbling towards Anoka, “Why, though?” She murmured, shaking her head. She nearly fell, and his warm arms were around her in an instant.

“There is much to be done.” He soothed her, “Come, there is not much time.” Leaving Ryushi bound and bleeding, they wandered many more halls, “Stay here.” He said at last, “I will find you in a moment.”

Nami’s gaze immediately became defensive, “Anka is in there, isn’t she?” She demanded.

“Aye.” Anoka winced as he spoke, “Please, do not follow me in.”

“Why not, she’s my friend!” Nami growled.

Anoka shook his head, “My lady, you do not want to go in and witness her woes. I will return.” And immediately he was gone.

Nami frowned and took several defiant steps forward, “I’m not going to abandon Anka just because some strange man says to wait.” She muttered to herself, drawing in a sharp breath as she pulled herself around the corner.

Anoka had Akra bound in a similar thorny vine as Ryushi, and he was bent over a limp form. Nami released a small sound and immediately raced forward. Anoka turned in surprise as her footsteps fell heavily on the stone, “I thought I asked that you wait out-” He started.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence!” Nami howled, catching sight of her friend at last, “Don’t ask me to just wait… to worry that maybe she was d-dead!” She threw herself down beside Anka, whose eyes were closed. There was a tattered cloak draped over her figure for decency, though red seeped through in several places.

Nami’s sobs shook her shoulders, “I don’t want to lose anybody else…” She murmured, her voice muffled by her arms.

“We must go…” Anoka said uncomfortably, “Otherwise there will be much trouble.”

“Damn right, bastard!” Akra snarled from his position on the ground, “When this poison wears off, I’m finishing you off once and for all! I should have killed you many years ago when I had the opportunity!”

Anoka ignored him and lifted Anka into his arms gracefully, “Are you okay to walk?” He questioned Nami, who’d wiped the tears from her eyes.

She stood over Akra, glaring heatedly at him, “I hate you!” She snarled, kicking him harshly in the chest, “You and your companion stay away from Anka and I!”

“Or what?” Akra questioned coolly, her kick was about as irritating as a mosquito bite to him.

“O-or we’ll kill you ourselves!” Nami stuttered, mildly taken aback by his reaction.

Akra barked out laughter, “You’ll never manage it.” He taunted as Anoka grasped her elbow and lead her from the room.

They made their way through many tunnels, and at last Nami was able to decipher where they were- the chamber where she and Anka had so foolishly awoken the demons that had raped them and claimed them as their brides.

There was a low growl and Anoka sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the flying figure of a familiar man. His black hair fell into his face as he turned, and at last Nami recognized him, “D-doc?” She gasped.

“Let them go.” James’ voice was a low growl; his hands were balled into fists and shook uncontrollably.

“You mistake my intentions.” Anoka murmured delicately, “I have only just rescued them. Now, if you wish to survive, do not question me further, we must flee quickly.”

“Nami, are you-” James’ gaze hardened as she shied away from his touch unconsciously, “Them bastards…” He muttered.

“Those.” Summer corrected as she revealed herself and Scott from around the corner, “And you’re supposed to be a teacher…” She shook her head and sighed.

“Don’t correct my grammar.” James grumbled, “I revert back to my old self when angry.” He planted a hand against the wall and gave a startled gasp as his arm was absorbed.

“Old self?” Scott quirked an eyebrow, nobody had noticed James’ predicament yet.

James remained silent as his eyes drifted half shut, “Yes</i..” He murmured, not answering Scott’s question, but a silent thought it seemed.

“You okay?” Summer asked, touching his shoulder gently.

She jumped back in surprise when James’ figure began to glow, and everyone was forced to shield their eyes from the light. When it faded James was gone, and in his place stood a disoriented Nagi. “What… just happened?” Scott demanded, now James was a slumbering mannequin with the rest of his students.

“He was asked whether he would take the boy’s place in stasis if it meant saving his life.” Anoka murmured, “James agreed and now suffers the same fate of the others. If Akra and Ryushi are not slain within the next two months… all will wither into dust.”

Nagi coughed and rubbed his eyes as though just waking, “What happened?” He looked around, startled, “Nami?”

Tears welled up once more in Nami’s eyes and she shielded her face, “Don’t… don’t look at me!” She screamed, before falling into a faint, Nagi barely made it to her side in time to keep her from hitting the ground.

“What’s wrong with her?” He demanded of the group at large.

Summer released a small sigh, “She and Anka… were taken by Akra and Ryushi.” She replied as calmly as possible, “There’s no end to the possibilities… though most likely… rape was involved.” Her gaze hardened.

Nagi tightened his grip on Nami’s limp shoulders, “W-what?”

Anoka cleared his throat, clearly impatient, “We must leave!” He spoke loudly, startling them all with the firmness of his voice, “We can discuss everything later, Nagi, lift her into your arms and let us be gone. We cannot end this torment here. There is much work to be done.”

Slowly, silently, the group ascended back into the camp and moved quickly, there was an abandoned tour bus sitting on the property, it was badly dented and most of the windows were broken out of it, “Is this-?” Nagi gasped.

“Yes, it is the contraption that you were all in.” Anoka replied with a curt nod, “I had difficulties dragging it and myself back from the other dimension.”

“I’ll drive.” Scott muttered grimly as they all piled in, “But what about everyone else that was left here?”

“Gone.” Anoka said, “They left while you lot were still underground.”

“Cowardly bastards.” Scott grumbled.

“Get us away as fast as you can.” Anoka sighed as he eased Anka into a row of seats; his gaze upon her was affectionate as he sat across the aisle.

“Who exactly are you?” Nagi sat down in front of him, his gaze firm.

“I am Anoka.” He replied, gazing toward the window, Nagi’s eyes widened when he saw a pair of silver ears upon his head, “Though these past years… I’ve grown fond of the name-”

“Yaryck.” Nagi cut him off in shock.

Anoka blinked in surprise, “Yes, how did you guess?”

“Those ears…” Nagi shook his head, “There’s a tuft of black in the shape of a star… Unmistakably unique. I don’t understand though… why were you in the form of that creature, and why did you choose to become Anka’s pet?”

“It is a long story.” Anoka murmured, his gaze flitting to Anka’s figure.

“It’s a long trip.” Nagi crossed his arms, “Tell me everything that you know.”

Anoka sighed in defeat, “My tale begins thirteen hundred and fourteen years ago.” He began, “When I met and fell in love with a beautiful noble named Adrianna. But I wasn’t the only one to woo her… Akra had caught sight of her, Ryushi her older sister Naomi, and been drawn by their beauty. Adrianna was my life, and I hers. We were wedded within three months of our meeting- our bond was that strong. Naomi married my brother Aryl a week later. We were all four happy, we’d found true love… soon the women grew large with child- we were about to have our own families at last! Aryl and I went out that day… a small hunting party.” Here his gaze distanced, he wasn’t just telling the story anymore, he was living it.

“Our stores were low, and though we were hesitant, our wives convinced us to go, to have fun on a two day journey into the mountains. We’d only been moving an hour when a servant rocketed out of the country behind us upon the back of an old grey. He was wild with fright and told us of two strange men who’d appeared in the courtyard and begun demanded where Adrianna and Naomi were.” His voice hitched, “Needless to say, Aryl and I raced back to our homes, terrified for the safety of our wives. There was blood everywhere… It seemed our visitors had bored of asking and trying to politely make their way inside… Our servants were all slain, and when we at last found them-” Anoka shuddered and blinked rapidly, “Akra and Ryushi had Adrianna and Naomi cornered. Aryl rushed in immediately to aid Naomi, who was bleeding heavily from a wound in her side.

“Akra turned on him and rendered his head from his shoulders almost immediately. I was horrified at what had occurred, my brother’s body lay at my feet and immediately I drew my sword. But… when I tried to move… Something held me back. I watched helplessly as they slew the sisters, as my Adrianna and our unborn child were torn from my life. I screamed, enraged, and struggled to get to them as they turned to leave. ‘Slay me too!’ I shouted over and over again- my life was gone, there was no point in surviving, ‘Slay me too or I swear I’ll destroy you!’

“It was Akra who turned to face me then, I’ll never forget his words, ‘You’re only a mortal. Your hands could no more strike me down than an ant. You will live in misery, knowing that I’ve taken your woman from you as you’d taken her precious virginity and beauty from me.’ He smirked and they both left.

“When I could finally move again it was next to my precious Adrianna that I lay. For a week I rested there, begging death to take me. It did not come… As I withered away in sunshine and rain, day and night, I thought only of my precious Adrianna, of my brother and Naomi. My family had been taken from me, and yet I still lived. Finally, on the ninth day, I was discovered by an old crone.

“She managed somehow to lift me into the back of an old hay wagon, ‘You’ll be okay, sonny.’ She promised, and with that I finally drifted into the deep oblivion of death. Strangely, though, I awoke some odd time later, the crone was still with me, tending me. I couldn’t understand her vigilance, her desire to keep me alive. ‘You’ve had your life ripped from you.’ She said in a soothing voice, ‘You seek justice, and only I can give you the means by which to seek it.’

“I looked at her, bewildered, ‘How? You are but an old woman…’ My voice was weak, not my own, and my voice was more brazen than I’d meant it to be, but she merely laughed.

“Her voice grew soft, became a playful whisper, ‘Do not let my appearance deceive you. Do you wish to gain the means of justifying the crime done upon you?’ I nodded immediately; I would give anything to be able to slay Akra and Ryushi. ‘Then, I shall give it to you.’ She nodded and turned away before lifting a bottle full of some golden liquid into my vision, ‘Drink this, and you shall have the power to take them on. I must warn you, however, against drinking this foolishly. Once you’ve taken the potion, you can never go back to being a mortal man again.’

“I glared at her, ‘Why would I pass up an opportunity for my justice?’ My hands shook, but I took the potion nonetheless, ‘those men… they haven’t only slain my family… I’m sure of it.’ I gasped out, she only nodded grimly, ‘why though?’ I asked.

“She sighed, ‘They’re demons. They seek to destroy the human race, but to do so… they must also take a human bride. A <i>virgin human bride.’ She stated, “By doing so… they can enter the temples of the gods and have bestowed upon them their powers… They destroy anything that gets in the way of those plans. Rest now, let the potion take affect.’

“The next few years were a bit hazy… I spent the time hunting for any signs of Akra and Ryushi, but I found nothing… Until one day, thirteen years after Adrianna’s death, I found them here in Egypt, again trying to woo virginal girls. They’d left behind them nearly three hundred murders, innocent people whom had died because they’d gotten between them and their goal. I confronted them; of course they didn’t remember me or my family, which enraged me greatly. I fought them… and eventually, with the aid of three priests and three witches… they were sealed. I slept for many years, awaking at last fifteen years ago with the distinct feeling that I was needed.

“I found my way to America, following the strange pull upon my soul. I happened upon a small home on the outskirts of some backwater village. And that was where I found her.” Anoka’s gaze drifted over to Anka emotionally, “She was but three years of age, a beautiful child with the most unusual hair color. My heart broken when I saw her… I managed my transformation and approached her, vowing that I would keep her happy. I don’t even know why I felt the way I did…. The rest is hers to tell, not mine.” Anoka turned his gaze to the passing scenery- they were in a village now, “Needless to say, I now know why I was called to her. And I will protect her no matter what. If I’d had any say in the matter, I would have made sure that I hadn’t been captured and forced into that other dimension with the lot of you. It took too much time and energy to get out, and I was too late to rescue them from a fate that I knew was coming. I tried to keep them away from Akra and Ryushi… but I didn’t succeed to surpass their curiosity.” He shook his head sadly, “Now they must begin a journey of their own- should they desire to in any case, for it will cause them both a pain far greater than that which they received this very eve, to rescue humanity… to race Akra and Ryushi in the gathering of the powers of the gods.”

Nagi narrowed his eyes, “You will ask such a task of them after what they’ve been through? I won’t allow Nami to suffer anymore.”

Anoka released a sigh and his hands gripped to his baggy leggings, “It is not your choice. They read the inscription and suffered the consequences, now their actions must be reversed. Otherwise Akra and Ryushi will succeed in killing us all… and there will be nothing to stop them from kidnapping Nami and Anka once more, and keeping them as their tools for pleasure. Not even you could slay those demons, not as a normal human boy. Your need in this world will make itself known eventually. Why James heard the voice of the crone, and why you were released and he taken prisoner in your stead… Will be revealed in due time.”

“Wait…” Nagi shook his head, “First off, why would you create an inscription that could bring them back if you’d already sealed those bastards away, secondly what do you mean James took my place, where?”

“There is no such thing as a permanent seal.” Anoka replied, scowling, “We had no choice but to create a counter so that it could balance out the seal. We tried to ward curious adventurers off with our traps… but obviously we weren’t very successful. Twice and only twice have Akra and Ryushi been awakened, this time, however, they cannot be resealed as they were. We must gather the powers of the gods… or face certain annihilation.

“Now then, as to your second question, you were sealed away in a deep slumber with many of your other companions. Apparently that was not how it should have been and James gave an opportunity to fix that error. Now everyone here is responsible for the fate of the very world.”

Nagi looked at him in shock, “That’s an awful lot to process…” He muttered at last.

Act 3
They had been traveling for nearly three days and still neither Nami nor Anka had roused. Anoka frowned, perplexed, as he gazed down upon their still figures. It was not in his knowledge why the two still slumbered after so long. The bus jerked, nearly jarring the two from their seats in the process. They were traveling a back road, still running from Akra and Ryushi. He had no doubt that the two demons were seeking the girls.

“We have to try and get nourishment into their bodies.” Anoka finally spoke to the grim Nagi that stood beside him, gripping the seat in a white knuckled grasp.

“How do you propose we do that?” Nagi demanded, they hadn’t stopped for more than gas and general snack products in the few days that they’d been traveling, his nerves were shot due to a lack of sleep, and he still wasn’t sure if he trusted Anoka or his vendetta against the demons that had defiled his Nami. For now, though, he knew it wise to go with Anoka’s plot.

Anoka frowned thoughtfully and finally shook his head, “I’ve no idea. But, they could die if they go without food or water for even another day- water especially. Here in the desert they’re dehydrating too quickly for comfort.”

“What if…” Nagi turned his gaze to the window- he was tired of the continuous flashes of sand, “What if they don’t want to wake?” He finally managed to finish his thought, and when Anoka turned his questioning eyes to him, Nagi continued, “What they went through… whatever it was… they’re just kids, you know. It probably permanently scarred them both.”

Anoka became understanding to Nagi’s questioning, “They are two with strong wills. Even if they desire to die… Their desire to survive and avenge their companions will win over. More than anything, they will strive to destroy Akra and Ryushi and reestablish the balance in the worlds. It may, in the end, cost them their lives, but I don’t think that will cause them to back down.”

Nagi sighed and knelt in the space between Nami and two rows of seats. He placed his palm upon her moist brow and stroked damp hair away from her face, “I won’t let her die.” He said at last, “Nami… means too much to me to let something like that happen to her. I’ll find a way to protect her no matter what.”

“You love her, then?” Anoka’s gaze was thoughtful, calculating, “Perhaps that was the reason…”

“Excuse me?” It was Nagi’s turn to be confused now.

Anoka shook his head, “Nothing. It is nearly sunset; we’ll probably need to stop and allow Scott to rest for a while. I think we’re nearly beyond the borders of Akra and Ryushi’s sight. I’ve been scrambling them for days, sending them in different directions, always keeping them away from us. Soon though, they’ll leave the girls long enough to gather the powers of the gods and then return for them and to slay us.”

“What do you mean by gathering the powers of the gods?” Nagi questioned, “Do gods even exist?”

“Do demons exist?” Anoka countered, “Do I exist, even thirteen hundred years further than when I should have died?”

“Touché.” Nagi sighed, shaking his head, “I really wish that Nami and Anka would wake soon… It’s worrisome that they’ve remained unconscious for so very long, though a relief to know that they are still breathing.”

“Nagi… You’ll have to understand that neither of them will be the same as before you came to Egypt.” Anoka started slowly, “Neither will likely… desire even to be comforted by you… nor I or Scott, it may even be a stretch to say that Summer could aid them in any way. You must be patient, no matter what, do you understand?”

Nagi scowled, as though wanting to say something. Instead he drew his lips up into a grim line and nodded, “Yeah… I do.” He sighed after a moment.

“Good.” Anoka nodded, “I’m going to point Scott in the direction of a decent inn. We’ll be coming across a town within an hour or so.”

“We don’t have much money left on us.” Nagi muttered, “How’re we supposed to afford a hotel?”

Anoka shifted uncomfortably in his seat before drawing out a wad of bills, “I… grabbed them from Charlotte and Anna after they were killed.” When he saw Nagi’s questioning look, he clarified, “Jade and Claudia.”

“Do you mind…?” Nagi started.

“Women who fell in love with Akra and Ryushi many, many years ago.” Anoka replied, “They grew jealous of the brides that the demons had chosen- two women whom had stumbled across the chamber and read the inscription that rested upon the walls- and slew them before the two demons could deflower them. Akra and Ryushi, enraged, dealt death blows to the two women mere seconds before they were resealed, and as Charlotte and Anna lay dying… They made a deal with a greater evil to live.”

“So… can I ask why they chose to become an old hag teacher and stuck up student?” Nagi shook his head, “None of it really seems to make sense, sorry… You suddenly appearing to ‘protect’ Anka and those two… I just can’t understand why they would do that if their desire was to situate themselves with those demons…”

“I can’t really make sense of it myself…” Anoka shook his head, “None of it seems to be connected… Though, maybe, like myself; Charlotte and Anna sensed that something big was to come and put themselves into such a position that they would be a part of it, no matter what it was.” His tone was thoughtful, “They’ve done it before, after all, sought to be a part of world-changing activities, they’ve often tried to get themselves written into history, desired fame and fortune. They were constantly changing their appearances, a gift that I received without having to sell my soul. They’re dead now, though and there’s nothing more to say on either of them.”

“You’re certain they’re dead?” Nagi frowned, “If they ‘sold their souls’ do you think that it’d be as easy as it seemingly was?”

“Now that you mention it-” Anoka’s words were cut off as the bus lurched dangerously, “Hold on!”

Nagi immediately placed himself near Nami again; his arms held protectively over her prone figure, Anoka mirrored his actions with Anka. “I don’t know what’s going on!” Scott’s voice was terrified as the bus jerked up onto its right tires; he jerked the wheel to the left, hoping to settle them back onto the road but was too late as the crashed onto their side and slid to a stop at the bottom of an embankment.

“Is everyone alright?” Summer was the first to recover from the shock and immediately pulled herself into a standing position.

“Barely,” Scott muttered, fiddling with the seatbelt that held him dangling in his seat, there was a thud as he fell with a muffled ‘oomph’.

Nagi rubbed a swollen lump on the side of his head and groaned, “Ouch, what was that anyway?” He stood slowly; making sure that Nami hadn’t sustained any new injuries, and hoisted himself through the window so that he could get a good look around.

He squinted in the brilliant glare of the sun and shielded his eyes as he sought what had caused their accident, there was nothing, nobody, and he couldn’t make sense of it. There was the sound of feminine laughter on the breeze, something that his sharp ears had almost missed, “Who’s there?” He demanded, his voice echoed eerily back to him, though no answer was received, at last he ducked back into the bus.

“Well?” Anoka’s mouth was pressed into a grim line as Nagi merely shrugged.

“I couldn’t see anything.” Nagi muttered, “I heard someone laughing though…”

“We didn’t.” Summer spoke up, “Are you sure you heard it? Perhaps it is the desert playing tricks with you?”

“I don’t think so…” Nagi shook his head, “How could it?”

“Heat does strange things to the mind of a mortal.” Anoka replied crisply, “We have no choice but to set up camp here tonight. This tin can is no longer of any use to us. Before dawn we will make our way into town and rest properly. Sleep while you can. It will be a long trek on foot.”

“You have magic, don’t you?” Scott questioned, “Can’t you just… teleport us there or something?”

Anoka shook his head, “I lack that ability… At least with transporting other individuals. And besides, my powers are waning. I’ve used them too long to protect you all from the demons. We will be vulnerable tonight if Akra and Ryushi are still within range to sense us. We’ll have to set up shifts for watch. It’s nearly six; I plan for us to move out no later than four. Each of us will take a two hour shift; I’ll take the first and last watches. The rest of you decide who’ll follow etcetera, then get some sleep.” His tone was matter of fact and left no room for argument.

“I’ll take second.” Scott grumbled, wiping sweat from his brow as he sought the remnants of their bottled water.

“Then I’ll take third.” Summer replied, in exasperation she pulled the water from beneath her seat and tossed it to Scott, whose gaze was surprisingly grateful.

“Then I guess that leaves me the fourth.” Nagi sighed, “What say we try and get this heap of junk upright so we can at least sleep in the seats?”

“How’re we going to manage that?” Summer questioned, incredulous, “This bus weighs a ton.”

Anoka cleared his throat, “It won’t be much trouble. Get Nami and Anka outside.” He said, looking around.

Nagi scrambled to pull Nami back into his arms as Scott and Summer hoisted themselves up into the sun, “Hand her here.” Summer said softly as she and Scott helped lift Nami through the window, shortly followed by Anka and an exhausted Nagi.

They eased the girls away from the bus and were surprised when it shuddered and tilted towards them. With a loud groan it landed on all four tires again and Anoka approached them, brushing sand from his fingers, “It is done.” He spoke.

“How’d you do that?” Scott was incredulous.

“It wasn’t very difficult.” Anoka shrugged, not caring to go into detail, “Back inside.”

The evening passed slowly

*Allah: God
*How bad is sex with somebody that you would kill yourself afterwards?
Dee, how long do we have to drag out the rape scenes? I’m running out of ideas…and I think that Yaryck should come into the story as his sexxxy humanoid self now.8->;;)
I don’t think it matters how bad it is… more rather, perhaps it is simply the realization of defilement and the resentment towards oneself after the act that causes such behavior? Oh, and they’re ended ;) they didn’t even need to be dragged out as they were, and I suppose that when we make to get this story published (hopefully) if they’re seen to be a bit too… much, then we can cut out some of it- should we so desire anyway. If nothing else, there’s always the choice of other publishers, etc. Oh, and Yaryck has arrived and placed himself into a meaningful role in this story! teehee. Lucky Anka, hm? I figure he can be the guy that she falls in love with… but first, read the next paragraph and tell me what you think, k? Well… soon as I manage to get it up anyway^^;; since, you know, you’re not in the same room with me or anything… Am I talking to myself? *whistles*

Oh, I’ve been thinking a lot on reincarnation- what if Nagi, Nami, and Anka were reincarnations of the three that Anoka lost in the past? Aryl, Naomi, and Adrianna? That’s kind of why I added them to Anoka’s tale of his past and how he came upon Anka.
Students/teachers in room settings:
Nami, Lu-Lu(d), Anka.     Jewel, Chloe. Drake, Nagi, James.
Lucas, Tristan, Conner, Parlé.   Claudia, (d) Jade (d).

Others:
Victor (director), Summer, Scott, Abby (nurse), Erik

Evil: Ryushi, Akra