Pit 5

Naomi blinks as visions and memories run through her mind. Memories that seemed to belong to Calankaiana. The King Rashidi, a proud, caring father who had a strong relationship with his daughter and laughable sense of humor. The beautiful Queen Nathifa, who was loving and kind, graceful and majestic in her own way, who cared deeply for her people, as well as Calankaiana. The memory of her death is tragic, to see the King weeping was a rare occurance in Calankaiana's eyes. Her heart seems to be torn with sadness as the memory of the Queen's funeral rolls past. Surprise then takes place when she notices the confusion and fear in Calankaiana's mind when her father told her that she was soon taking the throne. The distant heartbeat beats through Naomi's ears as she sees the day of Calankaiana's coronation, dancers and small talk whizzing past her mind.
When all the other memories past, Naomi finds herself in another room, a much larger room to say the least. The room is at least 50 by 50 feet wide, and a one end is a large walk up thrones, where Calankaiana sits in one. A few feet away is Fukayna with a elaborately dressed man, who's really cute.
"This is something I'll never forget." Alonsa says, appearing next to Naomi.
"What?" Naomi asks.
"The final suitor." Alonsa answers.
"Your Highness, it is truly an honor to stand in your presence." the man says, bowing.
"Thank you, now, why have you come to my palace today?" Calankaiana asks, trying to sound as nice as possible.
"My Queen, I would like to ask the beauty in front of me to take my hand in marriage. I will bestow all the riches of the world on you and make sure you are taken care of all of your life. Please, do me the honor and let me be your king." the man says, gesturing to the great pile of treasures behind him on a golden cart held by two men, probably slaves.
"Dang, that's a lot to ask, considering he just met her." Naomi asks, fuming a little on the inside.
"It's how life was. If you were of age, a man of high wealth could ask your parents for your hand and accept without your consent. Beautiful women were more of a prize then a partner in life." Alonsa explains.
"But the King and Queen loved each other." Naomi says.
"And their luck of finding each other was great. But endings like that were rare in these times." Alonsa remarks.
"First, tell me a few things, Lord Chuma." Calankaiana says, interrupting Alonsa's and Naomi's debate.
"Like what Your Highness?" Chuma asks.
"What is it that you like about me?" she asks.
"Well, what is not to like? You are more beautiful then the full moon on a crystal clear night. You have the power to lead any country and have kept this country in peace for three years, ending the great war that your parents could not." Chuma starts.
"Wait, she did what?!" Naomi says.
"When you took the throne of Egypt, there was a great war occurring that had taken place since the year before your birth, which is why you were given the name Mukantagara, which means born during war. After you were given the crown, you traveled in secret to meet with the leader of the land we were fighting. You tried to compromise, but they refused. So, with 800 soldiers you had brought along, you ambushed the King of that country and killed him, ultimately winning the war for Egypt. Soon after, we annexed the civilization into Egypt. Since, all this country had known is prosper and peace, and no one had threatened since, for they feared your great knowledge and power." Alonsa explains.
"I did that?!" Naomi says as she looks back down at Calankaiana, who she now believes is herself in past.
"Continue." Calankaiana says.
"You are also as slender as a young palm, a very attractive figure and lovely and elegant in anything that is bestowed on your clear olive skin." Chuma continues.
Calankaiana and Naomi make the same subtle look of disgust at the remark as man bows again.
"O...kay..." Calankaiana says in a way Naomi would.
"And you have all the treasure in the world. No one is a rich as you. But, only combined with mine, will your's become the greatest of all." Chuma says.
That line broke his chance in both Naomi's and Calankaiana's eyes.
"Leave, I refuse your offer." Calankaiana says as she makes a wave like gesture with her hand.
"But why, My Lady? I can give you anything you desire, just name it-"
"What is it that you think I am, a dumb-founded idiot? Answer this, in truth, which is worth more, gold in the hand or the hand of a human being?" Calankaiana yells, cutting him off.
Lord Chuma is taken back by the question, and hesitates. Naomi is insulted by the fact that this man could think of weighing gold over a living being.
"Take him away." Calankaiana orders as the Lord still thinks.
Two muscled men step from the shadows of the throne and take one arm each of the man. The Lord tussles and pulls, trying to get free, but fails. As he grunts and snears, he looks back up at Calankaiana.
"You will become mine, you will!" the Lord yells as the men pull him out, his slaves following with the cart close behind.
Calankaiana sighs as she gets up.
"My Lady, why did you send him off?" Fukayna says as Calankaiana walk to balcony left of the throne.
"His only interest was fortune. He even weighed a human against it. It makes me sick." Calankaiana answers as she comes to lean on the wall of the balcony.
"Queen Calankaiana, that was probably your last chance!" Fukayna yells
"I don't care! Now leave me alone!" Calankaiana says as she walks quickly from the throne room.
"My Lady!" Nenet calls after her.
Alonsa and Naomi look at each other, then follow Calankaiana as she walks to her bedroom. Naomi watches in amazement as Calankaiana quickly takes off her clothes, then puts on a dress similar to what she was just wearing, except it doesn't have the arm drapes and the collar and choker are less decorated. Also the skirt goes all the way down in the front unlike how the other transcened down from behind the piece of cloth. As Naomi looks at her, she notices that she doesn't take off the necklace like she does her crown, she just hides it under the cloth of the shirt part of the dress.
"She's trying to look like a servant." Alonsa states.
"Why?" Naomi asks.
"It's her only way to get out and be a teenager." Alonsa answers.
Naomi looks surprised as they watch her leave the room, soon following close behind. She stays quiet as they follow her threw a few passage ways until the end up in the stable area. Canlankaiana looks around until she spots a brown horse eating hay nearby. She grins as she walks over and begins to pat it's neck as it lifts it's head.
"Hey Lotus, how are you doing today?" Calankaiana says as the horse neighs happily.
"That's her own horse. Saved her when Lotus was only a foul." Alonsa states.
"How cute, I love her!" Naomi says as she floats down to be right in front of the mare.
"Of course, considering she is you." Alonsa remarks.
"What happened to you?!" they hear Calankaiana yell.
They turn and see her staring at a gash in Lotus' side. It's wet and dripping, meaning it just happened. Suddenly Lotus gestures her head to the right. Calankaiana notices quickly and looks over the mare's back and gasps. Three men on horses are galloping straight for them. Without thinking, Calankaiana jumps gracefully onto Lotus' back and kicks at her flanks, causing the mare to rear, then start into a fast gallop.
"C'mon, we need to follow and help!" Naomi yells as she flies after Calankaiana.
"Hold on! Remember, we can't do anything here. Only Calankaiana can see us, that's it!" Alonsa yells after her.
"We have to be able to do something!" Naomi yells back to her.
"We don't have to, look." Alonsa says as she gestures to Calankaiana.
Naomi looks back towards Calankaiana and gasps. She has turned Lotus around to face the men, a light ball in her left hand as she clutches Lotus' mane with the other. And, as Naomi looks closer, she notices that Calankaiana are glowing a bright red.
"Is that fire?" Naomi asks.
"No, it's your first special attack." Alonsa answers
"What?" Naomi yells back.
Before Alonsa can respond, Naomi is gaping at Calankaiana as the ball in her hand grows larger and seems to be sparking like electricity.
"SEKHMET LIGHTNING INFERNO!" Calakainana yells as she thrusts the soccer-ball sized fire ball over her head towards the approaching men.
As it lands, the horses the men are on rear and panic, but it's too late to calm them. The ball hits one directly, a fire ball consuming him then sending shocks of lightning into his body, ultimately killing him.
"Who's Sekhmet?" Naomi asks.
"She's the goddess of fire, destruction, and war." Calankaiana answers.
"Wait, you can still see us?!" Naomi yells, surprised that Calankaiana answered her question.
"Yes, but I have been ignoring you so that no one starts to suspect that you are here." Calankaiana explains.
"Oh," Naomi says, finding the conversation with herself a little weird and awkward.
Suddenly, they hear galloping behind them. They each turn and gasp. Somehow though, the other two were  uneffected and are still coming, surprising Naomi, Alonsa, and Calankaiana.
"Go! We cannot attack again, go! Go!" Calankaiana yells to Lotus, including Alonsa and Naomi.
"Why can't you just hit them with another of those fire balls?!" Naomi yells.
"I used a lot of my energy to make it. I thought I was hit all of them, so I had to make it more of a punch. I won't be able to make another attack for about 10 more minutes." Calankaiana says as she kicks at Lotus' side and turns her to gallop right past the other men, who quickly turn and begin to follow again.
"Well, that's just great." Naomi comments.
Then, Lotus' foot hits a uprooted rock and trips, sending Calankaiana flying off Lotus' right flank.
"Calankaiana!" Naomi yells as Calankaiana skids onto the ground, almost hitting the stable wall.
The men near, thrusting two swords in the air as Naomi realizes Calankaiana is unconscious.
"What do we do?! I don't feel like seeing myself die!!" Naomi yells as kneels over Calankaiana.
"Just wait!" Alonsa yells standing on the other side of Calankaiana.
"For what?! For them to plunge those swords into her heart?!" Naomi snaps back, unusually protective of Calankaiana.
Then sudden sound of panicked neighs and hard falls causes Naomi to turn and gasp. Both of the horsemen are laying on the ground, their horses laying on their sides.
"Stay away from the girl and leave at once!" Naomi hears a boy yell.
Suddenly a man, around Calankaiana's and Naomi's age, runs in front of Calankaiana, a sword in his hand.
"Who's that?" Naomi says.
Before Alonsa can answer, they notice Calankaiana beginning to come to.
"We need to leave, now!" Alonsa yells as she grabs Naomi wrists and thrusts her orange wings, sending them flying about 50 feet in the air.
"Why are you doing this?" Naomi yells.
"Just watch." Alonsa orders.
Naomi rolls her eyes as she looks back down at Calankaiana, who's now sitting up. The boy is now fighting one of the men with his sword as the other stands up. Realizing the situation, Calankaiana takes the handle of one of the swords the men had dropped and stands up. She runs over and thrusts her sword down over the open man's head, who quickly defends himself with another sword. Both Calankaiana and the boy step back to be back to back, holding their swords in front of them.
"Pounce them on three?" Calankaiana says.
"Good with me." the boy says.
The men beginning running at them, their swords over their heads.
"One." she says
"Two." he says
"Three!" they both say.
They both running at full speed and perry the men's attacks.
Within minutes, both of the men are on the ground, bleeding and pretty much dead. Calankaiana and the boy are panting, holding their blood stained swords tight in their fists.
"Well, I guess we won." the boy says.
"Yes, um, thank you for coming to my defense." Calankaiana says.
"It is alright, I hate it when men try to attack women when they aren't prepared for battle. It's ultimately disgracing."
"So you think girls shouldn't be allowed into battle?" Calankaiana says.
"No, I think anyone could be a great warrior. I just think it's wrong when you attack a girl who's done nothing to deserve it, that's all." he explains.
"Good answer." Calankaiana says as she begins to walk away.
Suddenly, an arm thrusts itself around her neck and turns her back towards the boy.
"Hey!" the boy yells, bringing his sword to his side.
"Put the sword down." a deep voice says as a knife comes to Calankaiana's neck.
The boy stops immediately, and the voice begins to chuckle darkly as he steps out of the shadows to reveal he's dark clothed man.
"If you do not do what I say, the girl dies." the man say, pressing the knife close to her skin, causing blood to trickle.
The sight of Calankaiana's blood causes the boy to immediately fume with anger, but he drops the sword anyway, and walks closer to the man.
"Stay still girl..." he says.
"What?" the cloaked man says.
Suddenly the older cloaked man jolts and releases Calankaiana, who is caught by the boy. From Naomi's angle, she just now sees a large dagger in the cloaked man's upper left side, where his heart is. He falls heavily to the ground as the boy thrusts the sword out of the man and jumps back a few feet. Calankaiana clutches the boy tightly and seems to be blushing. When Naomi sees his face, she knows why. He's cute.
He has shaggy blonde hair with bangs that fall handsomely over his green eyes. He's muscular, but not over muscular, and is about 6 feet tall.
"Dang, he's HOTT!" Naomi says as she floats lower down to get a better look.
"I thought you would say that." Alonsa says.
"Are you alright?" the boy asks as he sits Calankaiana down on the ground in the shade of a nearby palm tree.
"Uh, um, I am fine, just a scratch." she answers.
"That man made you bleed, I am sorry I did not see him before he-"
"It is alright, you won, did you not? I see you as a victor, not a fool." Calankaiana says as she moves some of the bangs from in front of his eyes, "I have met many men in my lifetime who would of let me die instead of help me. You are a hero in my eyes, remember that."
"Thank you." he says.
"What is your name?" she asks.
"I am Heru. I work as a stable hand for the Queen." he answers, "Who are you?"
"You do not know who I am?" Calankaiana says, surprise in her voice.
"No, should I?" Heru asks.
"No, of course not. Um, I am Monifa." Calankaiana says.
"What?! Monifa?" Naomi repeats.
"Monifa, huh?" Heru says.
"Wait, I cannot lie. I am Mukantagara." Calankaiana says.
"Mukantagara...wait a minute. That means that you are-" Heru thinks.
"Shh! Please keep your voice down." she says.
"I just saved the Queen." Heru says, "You are Queen Calankaiana."
"Yes." Calankaiana says, "I am sorry for disturbing you. Goodbye."
She begins to stand when Heru takes her wrists and gently pulls her back down.
"Wait, please." he says.
"What?" she asks she notices now holding her hand, causing her to blush.
"Why did you come down here by yourself?" he asks.
"Because I did not want my lady in waiting breathing down my neck about picking a husband." Calankaiana snaps.
Heru shuts up, and Calankaiana realizes what she's done.
"I am sorry, she is just getting on my nerves. I did not mean to yell at you. You have done nothing but help me today, please accept my apology." Calankaiana says.
"It is alright. I must get back to work, thank you." Heru says as he helps her up.
"Thank you, for what?" she asks.
"For letting me meet you. It was nice to meet a true caring girl for once who doesn't just care about her looks, and can actually act as her own person." Heru says as he walks away, not letting her hand go 'til the last second.
Calankaiana silently gasps as she watches him disappear with Lotus. She holds her hand close to her, her cheeks blushing insanely.
"Heru...," she says, then smiling, the wind beginning to blow, "You answered perfectly..."

Pharaoh Atem

These are pics of Pharaoh Atem from Yu-Gi-Oh! LOVE HIM!! LOL ^o^

Pit 4

Naomi stands motionless, her eyes widened in surprise.
I'm the Pharaoh of Egypt...!? No way, this must be a dream...just a dream...
Who are you...? Why are you inside me...?!
Naomi holds her breath. Another voice, similar to her's, said that. What's happening to her?
"The correct term is Queen, but since you have not married yet, you are also an official Pharaoh." Nenet comments from behind her.
Naomi can't find her voice to reply. Nenet starts to become concerned when Naomi, A.K.A. Calankaiana, doesn't reply.
"My Queen, are you alright?" Nenet asks as she puts her hand on Naomi's shoulder.
Before anything more is said, the door opens, pulling Naomi from her state of shock to see who was entering the room. It's a tall woman, about 6 feet, who's wearing something similar to Nenet, but her jewelry is more decorated and elaborate. Her blonde hair hangs beautifully in a loose braid, gold accents braided in. And as she moves closer, Naomi notices that her dress is trimmed in a dark purple silk. Naomi then finally looks at her face.
Her eyes widen again.
It's Alonsa!
"My Queen, there is a suitor waiting in the throne room to meet you."
"Another suitor, why did you not turn him away?" Naomi says.
Her heart skips a beat. She hadn't been the one who said that. It was the same, strong voice, that had crossed her mind before.
Alonsa seems to sense the confusion in Naomi's mind, and walks closer to Naomi, her mouth close to her ear.
"Allow the originals to show you the past, release your hold on this body, Naomi, and allow Calankaiana to show you the days of your first life." Alonsa's quiet, silkly voice whispers into her ear.
Naomi feels her clutch on the control of her body to fade and numbness takes hold of her body. When she blinks again, she finds herself in a different area of the room. She looks down at her body to see herself back in her IndyCar fire suit, all the traces of Egypt gone.
"You freely released. That's impressive, most people would take hours to transfer their souls from a body they were inhabiting. Your release took only seconds." Alonsa voice says.
Naomi looks up and yells out of alarm, to see Alonsa floating above her, back in the modern clothes she was wearing before. Except now she had large orange swan wings attached to her back. Weird.
"Alonsa, what the heck did you do!? Where are we?! And why do you have wings?!" Naomi yells.
"We're in Ancient Egypt. 1649 B.C. to be exact. This is where you lived during your first life."
"What the heck are you talking about?!"
"Naomi, do you believe in the principal of reincarnation?"
"Reintarnation?"
"Reincarnation, the belief that when you die, you'll be born again as a different person."
"No, it was never part of what I learned as a Christian. Isn't that hindu or buddisim, or some asian culture?"
"I'll take it then that you don't believe it."
"You would be taking it right."
"Well, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but reincarnation does exist. And it's choosen you for a great task."
"And that would be?"
"We'll discuss that after."
"After what?"
Alonsa looks over at something in another area of the room. Naomi looks around her and gasps.
"My Queen, are you alright?" Nenet says as she helps Naomi's old body stand.
"I am fine. I just did not feel normal for a moment." her body responds.
"What the heck?!" Naomi yells, surprised by the other her's movement and talk.
"You were in the body you lived in while you were Queen of Egypt. I actually took you back in time, so your soul from your first life still inhabits it. I just gave you control of it for a few minutes to see if anything looked familiar. Now, your first incarnation, Calankaiana, is back in control of the body. Though, she can no longer see either of us, but I wouldn't be surprised if she didn't sense you right now, seeing as how you are one in the same person-"
"Will you shut up! I'm no Calankaiana, I'm Naomi. And I'm no Queen, I'm an IndyCar driver for 4Royalty Racing," Naomi yells, then points at Calankaiana, "And that's definitely not me!"
Suddenly, Naomi's old body turns and looks in her direction, causing Naomi to freeze. It's hard not to think it's her. They were exact copies of each other, except for the slight difference in skin color. Naomi gulps as Calankaiana gives her a serious frown, her eyes full of power. Alonsa gasps slightly as she notices the exchange between the twins.
"Hey, Alonsa." Naomi says.
"Yes?"
"Are you sure she can't see me?"
"No one is able to see us, even if they were an incarnation."
"Well, either there's someone behind me, or she can see me. And I have a feeling that there's no 9 foot guys to be found anywhere near here."
Alonsa and Naomi discontinue their conversation and try to stay quiet as they watch Nenet put the top of Calankaiana's out on, more jewelry following. Naomi watches jealously. The piece of cloth that Nenet had been holding before is wrapped around Naomi's, I mean, Calankaiana's upper torso, the same way as Nenet's, any inperfections hidden by the gold collar and coker, that of which sits on top. But, instead of more cloth flowing out from under neath the trailing cloth, it stops to reveal Calankaiana's flat olive stomach. And the sleeves didn't just stop at Calankaiana's elbows. The off-white cloth transcends from around her elbows down like flimsy satin wings and connected to the cuffs around both of Calankaiana's wrists. And as Calankaiana sits in a the large chair, another servant comes and rubs her feet (lucky) and puts on some gold sandals, while Nenet brushes out her nostalgic chestnut hair. After a few minutes, they move to to the vanity and apply make-up, such as the well known over-exaggerated eye lash, dark blue eyeshadow reaching as far as the eyeliner. Then, to top it off, Nenet places a a gold headband, with a cobra head on the front and panals  that fell over the ear and behind, the band inbetween incrusted with lapis lazuli, which to any eye it's known as a crown (LUCKY). Though the front was covered by her overlapping bangs, making it look actually more elaborate.
"Man, I look awesome!" Naomi says.
Alonsa turns towards her, smirking.
"I-I mean, "she" looks awesome, not me, considering the fact that she isn't me, of course." Naomi says, trying to cover for what she said before.
"Uh-huh." Alonsa says as she turns back to watching the scene.
"Now, my Lady, will you please come and see this man, he brings many gifts and good intentions-" the other Alonsa starts to say.
"Good intentions to take the throne of Egypt." Calankaiana interrupts.
"Your Highness, that's not what I meant, he-"
"I know that you meant it well Fukayna, but I still wish to leave the matters of my love life in my own hands, not in the names of men who will foolishly think I'll swoon over them for gold and jewels. I'll decide with the intent of love, not greed." Calankaiana interrupts again.
Naomi is taken back. Man, she really didn't want to have an arranged marriage. Nether would she, giving the decision. She looks back at Alonsa.
"Hey, give me some more info on her." Naomi says.
"Her original name is Mutantagara Asim, daughter of the great Pharaoh Rashidi Asim and Queen Nathifa Asim, who ended their reign in 1652 B.C. after the Queen passed and the Pharaoh was left heartbroken, then, being the eldest of three sisters, she was given the name Calankaiana, a name her mother had given to her on her deathbed, and the throne of Egypt, inwhich she has reigned for three peaceful years. She is intelligent, caring, kind, a great strategist, and an even greater leader. She is only 18 years of age." Alonsa explains.
"Wait, she's only 18, but that would mean she took the throne when she was only 15 years old!" Naomi answers.
"And indeed she was."
"Man, talk about a weird deja vu."
"Explain."
"Two words, "Pharaoh Atem."
"Who?"
"When I was younger, I was a total anime freak. I especially loved stuff with adventure, action, comedy, and romance."
"Ok."
"Well, a certain show I watched was Yu-Gi-Oh!, which is about a boy named Yugi finding some puzzle which turns out to have a spirit of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh trapped inside. Along the way, they discover that they have to uncover the Pharaoh's lost memories, including his name. And by doing so, they journey into his past in ancient Egypt and uncover his true name, Atem."
"Alright."
"But, it stinks, cause in the end, Atem crosses over to the world of the dead to be with his friends from ancient Egypt, and his soul finally rests in peace. And he was my favorite character! I was so irritated."
"What does that have anything to do with Calankaiana?"
"Because Atem came to the throne when he was 15, too."
"Ah, anything else."
"Um, he had a crown that kinda looked like her's." Naomi says as she points at the crown on Calankaiana's head.
"Is that it?"
"Well, he was kinda cute-"
"Naomi!" Alonsa yells.
"I'm done." Naomi says quickly, ending the conversation.
"I will not see that man and that is final!" Calankaiana yells, drawing Alonsa and Naomi to the conflict below.
"My Lady, I insist you see him!" Alonsa other, Fukayna, yells at the Queen, "You are of 18 years of age, many at your age have already been married for two, if not three years! You must choose a husband before Wadjet, or else you will have to have an arranged marriage!"
Fukayna takes a deep breath and sighs, walking to stand in front of the Queen, who had turned away from her.
"I know that you want to find a husband and love. I mean, I'm 21 and I have not found a man. But, unlike you, I do not have a great duty to reign over the people of Egypt. My Lady, you owe it to your people to swallow your pride and take a husband. And, before Wadjet, so you at least get to pick someone you actually like, if not love." Fukayna says as Calankaiana passes her and walks out to the balcony, Fukayna following behind.
Naomi follows close behind to see the rest and gasps at the view. Below the high balcony are hundreds, if not thousands of houses lining many streets, people rushing to different market stands, or carrying supplies and papers for work, while children play in the streets, running after each other and playing with stray dogs and well groomed cats. To the left of the city is a river, the Nile, probably, which runs gracefully around the city, cattle and sheep eating near the banks under the shade of large palm trees as fishermen hold nets out to catch fish. Farther out are a few mountains, which are short enough to reveal some tops of pyramids in the separate valley. Other then that, and the sky, there is nothing but great mounds of sand, which look more interesting the one would think.
"Intelligent..." Calankaiana says, breaking Naomi's thoughts.
"Excuse me?" Fukayna says.
"Your name means intelligent, does it not?"
"Yes, it does."
Calankaiana smiles then turns back at the view, resting her arms on a thick gold railing.
"Well, it seems your parents were wise enough to pick a name that suits you. You definitely seem to know how I feel about this, but you're also old enough to understand my duties to my citizens. I cannot believe I am doing this. Go, both of you, and tell the man I will be out in due time."
Naomi was confused by the "both of you" part, then turns to see Nenet still standing in the room, just out of the conversation is all.
"I am happy you have agreed to meet him. We will be waiting for you." Fukayna says as Nenet and she leave the room, closing the large door behind them.
Calankaiana sighs and moves back to the large seat where she had had her hair brushed and her sandals put on. She sits and rubs her forehead, apparently stressed over her situation. Naomi watches with great empathy. She knows how hard it must be to put yourself before others, seeing as how she is the oldest of two kids, and had to take care of her brother when her dad died and her mom had to start working two jobs so that they could make ends meet. Even though Calankaiana had a whole country to think about, the meaning of it was still the same. And arranged marriage? That just has to suck, considering she probably won't love whoever she ends up being with. Truly, it's a tragic love story.
"You two can stop trying to hide yourselves and come out, I know you are there." Calankaiana says as she up at them.
"What?! You can see us?!" Alonsa says as Naomi's mouth falls open.
"What, am I not supposed to be able to see you? Well, I am sorry to say it, but I can see you as clear as the Nile." Calankaiana answers as Alonsa floats down to stand in front of her.
"You have always been truly amazing your Highness, allow me to introduce ourselves."
"You are Fukayna, are you not? You are an exact copy of her, if not for your strange clothes and pale skin." Calankaiana says as she inspects Alonsa.
"I am Fukayna, but not of this lifetime."
Calankaiana looks confused.
"Explain." Calankaiana orders.
"You see, I am her 4th reincarnation, Alonsa. And, as you will see when you see my acquaintance, we are from another time." Alonsa says.
"Who is the other?" Calankaiana asks, mentioning Naomi.
"I guess that's me." Naomi says as she steps from behind Alonsa.
Calankaiana's eyes become wide when she sees Naomi. She gets up from the chair and walks closer to Naomi, inspecting her.
"You are me?!" Calankaiana says.
"No, I'm Naomi Kingsfer, race car driver." Naomi says.
"Race car driver?" Calankaiana repeats.
"Naomi is your 4th reincarnation, she just hasn't come to accept it yet." Alonsa explains.
"Ah." Calankaiana says.
"I'm not her reincarntation!" Naomi yells.
"Reincarnation." Alonsa corrects.
"Whatever, I still think this is just a dream." Naomi says, crossing her arms.
"Well, you are definitely as stubborn as me." Calankaiana comments.
"I'm not you!" Naomi yells again.
"And, like me, once you think something is true, you will not believe anyone who tells you you are false."
Naomi stops. She is known to sticking to her opinion.
"Whatever." Naomi says as she turns away from Calankaiana, "This is just a dream, anyway. I can't even be hurt, why would I think this is reality."
"Naomi, I am sorry, but I need to do this." Calankaiana says as she walks over to stand right in front of Naomi.
"Huh, what?" Naomi asks, confused.
Then, without another thought, Calankaiana swings her right hand from behind her head to across Naomi's face, slapping her with great impact. The hit sends her stumbling into Alonsa, who catches her. They both look surprised by Calankaiana's surprise attack, and the fact that not only she could see them, but touch them.  
"Will you just grow up and face your destiny. This is real, it is all real! And, if you say this is a dream once more, I'll drag you down to the dungeon by the hair and throw you in with the lions myself!" Calankaiana yells, standing over them, power in her eyes and voice.
Alonsa and Naomi sit there, stunned. Naomi blinks a few times, speechless while looking at herself towering over her, who made her feel small even though being the same person (as Alonsa says) they were the same height. Why didn't she have this type of power to do this to people? If they are one in the same, why didn't she have that talent? She finally looks away.
"Well, that disproves my theory, so I guess I'll have to accept this as real," Naomi say as she stands, "Calankaiana, you're where I probably get the confidence and independence I have, I'm glad to know you now."
Calankaiana grins, putting out her hand in an unroyal way.
"Call me Kaiana." Calankaiana says.
Naomi smiles as she reaches for Calankaiana's hand. When they are holding each other's hands, a weird sensation on the back of both of their necks starts and the rooms goes white.

Pit 3

..She is one girl, there is no one like her. 
She is more beautiful than any other.
Look, she is like a star goddess arising
at the beginning of a happy new year;
brilliantly white, bright skinned;
with beautiful eyes for looking,
with sweet lips for speaking;
she has not one phrase too many.
With a long neck and white breast,
her hair of genuine lapis lazuli;
her arm more brilliant than gold;
her fingers like lotus flowers,
with heavy buttocks and girt waist.
Her thighs offer her beauty,
with a brisk step she treads on ground.
She has captured my heart in her embrace.
She makes all men turn their necks
to look at her.
One looks at her passing by,
this one, the unique one...

 

1649 BC

Naomi's eyes blink open to sunlight, her eyes a little hazy after just awaking. She looks down to see herself laying in a large bed, thick drapes blocking her view from the rest of the room. She then looks up, to see a top of a large window letting the light into the small space she is now sitting up in. She rubs her forehead.

"I must of fainted in Peters' office," Naomi says, remembering what happened, "What the heck was it that Alonsa was chanting? Well, whatever it was, it was creepy."

Naomi looks at her wrist and sighs, eyes widening in surprised. She's wearing a gold bracelet that extends most of her lower forearm. She looks at her other arm to see the same, but it's shorter and looks more like a cuff. It's now she realizes how much jewelry she's wearing. Other then the bracelets, she's wearing a gold choker which transcends to become a gold and turquoise collar, over which hangs a gold, amethyst, her favorite gem, lapis lazuli, and her birthstone, topaz pendant that's strung to a 1/2 inch pure gold band matched with large, all solid gold, rectangular earrings that droop from her ears. Below all the other gems on the pendant a larger opal is attached, which seems to be leaking a soft glow. 

Naomi's eyes widen. It's the opal from her vision! But, when had she put it on?

"Ok, now this is just getting weird." she says as she takes the covers off then pulls back the drapes.

She looks around the room to see huge cement-like walls that hold up the ceiling that's about 12 feet above her head. The window that she had seen before, which she now sees leads to a balcony, lets most of the light into the room, while torches lining the walls shine on the dark areas the sun's rays don't get to. Parallel to her is a large vanity with a large mirror hutch. On it lies makeup, jewelry, brushes, and who knows what else. On the other side of the vanity is a large golden armorie, which had strange markings going up and down the sides. But, she was too far away to read them or make them out. She turns to see yet another large window, leading to another balcony, facing away from the sun, sheer drapes blowing gently in a morning breeze. Near the opening to that window is what looks like an ancient day bed, pillows strewn along it to make it look super comfortable. Farther away and now parallel to the end of her bed is a extravagant chair, even more elaborate then Peters' king chair. It's pulled a few feet away from the wall, while two large pillows lay precisely on it, and above it is a large lantern, probably a reading chair or something like that. Naomi steps around the bed and sighs. In between the bed and the chair is what looks like a small pond or a reflecting pool, a little torch of fire on each of it's six sides. 

She looks at herself in the reflection of the water. She sighs, seeing her familiar face, and gasps at the beauty of her jewelry. Each looks perfect, and they go well together, seeing as how the differences are the gems in her collar and pendant. She finally looks at what she's wearing. It's looks like a night dress, but it also looks like a toga like she had seen in Night at the Museum 2. It's simple, but also pretty. It's then that Naomi finally notices that her skin isn't the same color as it was before. It's darker and more olive colored, kinda like the skin of those who she'd seen on the TV from Afghanistan or somewhere else in the Middle East. A sudden knock pulls Naomi's eyes and attention from her reflection to a large door at the end of a short corridor that leads out of the room.

"My lady, it is me, Nenet. I have come to dress you." a girl's voice calls from the other side of the door.

Naomi's breathing slows, and she stands up straight.

"You can come in." Naomi calls back.

Slowly the door opens and reveals a teenager, maybe 14 or 15 years old. The girl has on a long white dress and a plain gold collar, fabric revealing itself from under the collar then transcending down and across, creating sleeves to the elbows, and on her feet are gold sandals. Nenet's medium length hair is ebony brown or black, golden hair accessories pull back her hair in to a high ponytail, leaving shorter hair and bangs to frame her face and hid her ears. Large rectangular earrings peak out from behind Nenet's hair, and as she moves to a chest on the other side of the vanity, which Naomi hadn't seen before, Naomi notices two ear piercing in each of her upper ears, like she has. Purple eyeshadow covers Nenet's eyelids, eyeliner traces her top eyelid and extends about 1/4 way to her ear, the eyeshadow going that far as well. And her dark olive skin is clear and perfect, a similar color to her own.

Nenet turns towards her again, a folded piece of off white fabric in her arms.

"Here you are my Lady, your skirt. Now if you'll raise your night toga, I'll put it on you." Nenet says as she walks closer to stand right in front of Naomi.

"Uh, Alright." Naomi says as she raises the skirt of her "night toga".

After a minute or two, Naomi is wearing the pretty skirt, holding the ends together with one of her hands as Nenet rummages through the jewelry on the vanity, looking for something. Naomi looks down at the skirt. It ran pass her feet to flow elegantly behind her, trailing on the ground, and in the front, it transcends up in gently curves to the top were her hand clutches it. When she looks back up, Nenet is walking back over with what looks like to be a 5 inch wide hip band, entrusted with lapis lazuli and turquoise, and a piece of orange and blue dyed satin hanging from the front, covering up the little errors in the upper part of her skirt. Naomi notices a beetle in the center of the waist band. Why would they put a bug on a piece of jewelry? Instead of being stupid and asking, Naomi stays quiet as Nenet works to fassen the band to her waist. When she steps away, Naomi looks down to inspect the hip band. It looks perfect, and fassens her skirt firmly and tight, but it is still comfortable. The piece of silk hangs beautifully in front her akward areas, which made her sigh a sigh of relief.
"My Lady, I will be right back with your top." Nenet says as she walks towards the large gold armoire.
"O...kay." Naomi answers.
Why the heck does she keep calling her "my Lady"?  She turns back to see Nenet walking away from the armorie. Suddenly her heart begins to beat rapidly as her nerves kick in. She takes a slient deep breath.
"Nenet, why do you keep calling me "my Lady"?" Naomi asks as Nenet comes to stand in front of her.
Nenet looks surpirsed by the question, then smiles and giggles.
"Oh, yes, I forgot, you don't like it when I call you "my Lady". You told me you thought it was too formal and that I should just call your Mother and Father that. So, then, what was it that you wanted me to call you?" Nenet says, trying to remember something.
Naomi looks confused. Since when had she had a conversation like that? This is her first time meeting her, so how could they even have a talk like that? Now, it is begining to feel weird again.
"Oh, yes, I remember! You wanted me to call Kaiana, correct?" Nenet says, cutting through Naomi's thoughts.
"Kaiana?" Naomi says.
It sounds nothing like her name, what's going on?
"Yes, a shortened version of your name."
"Huh?"
"Kaiana is the shortened version of your name, Calankaiana."
Naomi's body freezes as her eyes widen.
"Calankaiana..." Naomi says.

The Queen,

Lost to us all,

So long ago

that she herself doesn't know

Who she is 

or that her reflection,

Is the same face worn

by my beloved Queen.

Now, I call out,

to you, my Queen.

I call your name,

I turn back time,

to the last days you saw

and unlock your mind,

releasing what was once known,

Now hear me and go back,

Calankaiana!
Alonsa's words trace her mind like thread in a ball, rotating but never stoping once. They repeat many times. What's going on?!
"Calankaiana, are you alright, your highness?" Nenet says.
Naomi blinks a few times before she finds Nenet staring at her, worry in her eyes. She smiles.
"I'm fine. But I would like you to tell me one thing." Naomi asks.
"What is it?"
"Nenet, what day, year, and place is this?" Naomi asks, now turned away from Nenet.
"Um, it is Dhwt 15th, the first month of the year.  And it is the 16th dynasty, inwhich you Mukantagara, were given the name Calankaiana and the throne, making you our Pharaoh. The Pharaoh of Egypt."

Pit 2

March 11, 2011
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Kaylee sits in the pits of team 4Royalty Racing, drinking a Pepsi. She watches as a few people pass her, not from her team, then takes another sip. Suddenly, she hears a engine roar and turns. Stuck on the outside, and at a higher velocity then usual, Naomi's midnight blue and rose red #40 Funimation car passes the pagota, causing the wind to stir up and blow Kaylee's hair back. Penny quickly presses the stop button on her time watch and looks down.
0:00:46:02
Naomi's best time of the day. Kaylee looks down and mark out the 0:55:17 on her paper and writes the time down.
"228 mph." a speed teller calls, holding a police speed reader in his hand.
"Kay!" Kaylee yells, writing the speed on the paper, marking out the 219.
Within two minutes, Naomi's car comes back around the 4th turn, but enters the pits instead of going another round. A second later, the car comes to a halt a couple yards from Kaylee. Kaylee runs to the car, surprised to see Naomi frowning and taking off her teal helmet.

"Naomi, what are you doing? You were getting record times of the day. You were on fire."

"The handling is off. It's making it hard to get into the inside of the track. If I keep driving, I'm gonna hit the wall eventually when coming out of one of the turns." Naomi says as she takes off the fire proof head sock, revealing her brown hat hair. 

"Oh." Kaylee says, not understanding some of Naomi's car talk.

"And, seeing as how we're testing at Barber Motorsports Park and the first race is in St. Pete, I especially have to be sure the handling works perfectly, or else I'll never have a chance to beat Dario and Will for the points lead. And of course Danica is always a threat, Helio too." she says as she gets out of the car and passes Kaylee.

"Why are you worried about those two tracks?" 

"Don't you remember from last year? Barber and St. Pete are more like street courses. And St. Pete is known for it's tight turns. If my car's not in perfect turning condition, I'll crash in the first 10 laps." Naomi explains as she takes a water from a cooler.

"Oh, ok. I guess I understand. Will it be hard to adjust?"

"With these guys, probably not. I'd say about, oh, five minutes?" Naomi says as she turns to one of her pit crew, Andy.
"More like two. I only need to adjust the front wing, then we're set for another dozen laps before we call it for today so that you can get to the Racers' Meeting on time tonight." Andy answers as he points to the front wing.

Naomi moans.

"That's tonight? Dude, I wanted to actually get some sleep before I leave tomorrow."

"Sorry Naomi, but you knew what you were getting yourself into when you signed, so you can't complain." Kaylee says as she takes another sip of her pepsi.

"I know, but still. It's irritating." Naomi says as she jerks the cap off the water bottle, takes a sip, then sits it on the control table.

"Hey, you have next week off. That's something to look forward to, isn't it?" Kaylee says, trying to brighten up Naomi's sprit.

Naomi smiles.

"Yeah, a week to stay home, sleep 'til 10, annoy Aacan, go to the spa with Mom, eat dinner with Uncle Jeff, go shopping with Anna and Marcus, do laps on my bike at our county course. It's the perfect getaway." Naomi says as she pulls her stringy hair into a ponytail..

"Even more perfect then our two week trip to Maui last spring?" Kaylee asks, smiling.

"Strike what I just said. It's the second perfect getaway." 

Within seconds, Naomi and Kaylee erupt into intense laughter, looking back on old times before Naomi's career took off full throttle.

As they begins to quiet down, Kaylee's eyes widen. Naomi notices.

"What's wrong Kay Kay?" Naomi asks, calling Kaylee by her nickname.

She points at Naomi's neck.

"You have that opal necklace on!" 

"Thank you for stating the obvious, Kay Kay." she says as she takes another sip of water.

"They actually let you keep it?" Kaylee asks as she as she admires the gem.

"Yep. They let me keep one shirt, one pair of pants, one gem accessory, a dress, a coach purse, the converse, another pair of shoes, and one pair of earrings." 

"Dang, which coach did you pick?"

"The medium teal and midnight blue one."

"Oooooh, that one was my fav!"

"I'll have to let you borrow it sometime."

"Really?" Kaylee asks, her face turning up in an excited smile.

"Yeah, that way I don't have to pay you back for the crack in your favorite mug."

"Sneaky meanie." Kaylee says as an irritated frown appears on her face.

"But you've got to love me!" 

Again, the two arrupt into eratic laughter just like before.

"Excuse me girls, will you please stop laughing, Mr. Peters wants to see you Naomi." they hear Penny say through their quieter giggles.

Naomi immediately stops.

"What did I do this time?" Naomi asks.

For some reason, Naomi and Mr. Peters didn't get along at times. Ever since Naomi had signed on as his lead driver, he pushed her to do the best. She knew that he was trying to help, but sometimes if Naomi didn't do something right, Peters, as Naomi calls him, would go into a tirade about Naomi not being responsible or intelligent enough to do exactly as he told her to do. This would lead to Naomi getting angry at him for pretty much calling her stupid and saying she wasn't capable to do as told, even though she did have trouble with it at times. And she is pretty sure her 13 year old brother, Aacan, has a higher I.Q. then she does. But still, she is pretty smart for your average 18 year old. Especially when it came to anything with an engine, singling out motorcycles.

"You haven't done anything, as far as I know anyway. He just wants to introduce you to someone. Nothing more." Penny explains.

A look of surprise takes hold on both Kaylee's and Naomi's faces. Naomi had never been called into Peters office once to meet someone before. Usually, she was called in so that he wouldn't have to embarrass himself in front of a crowd to yell at her, or to go over tactics for an upcoming race, if they were in good moods.

"Uh, ok." Naomi says as Kaylee and she begin to follow Penny to a nearby car.

She turns and waves at Andy to tell him they'd be back soon, Andy answering with a thumbs up. After a few minutes, they're walking into one of the entrances to the offices across from the track. For some reason, Peters didn't want a huge office, like Penske or some other big team. He wanted it nice, simple, and close to the track. 

As she walks down the long hall, she looks into a few rooms. Only one person is in their office. The anchor of the IMS Radio Network, Mike King. She smiles. Mike was a cool guy, being in his fifties and all. Although, at times, he did act younger. Since her father had died 16 years ago after drinking and driving down Maryland Street at night (Not Smart), Mike or her Uncle Jeff has been her closet thing to a Dad that she's ever had. Somehow, he senses her staring and looks up, his reading glasses shining against the light of his desk lamp. He smiles and waves. Naomi returns it with and even bigger smile and more over-the-top wave, leaving Mike laughing quietly in his office as she continues down the hall.

Within moments, Penny, Kaylee, and Naomi come to the door of Peters' office. Penny steps out of the way, allowing Naomi entryway to the door. She doesn't hear anything, so she's guessing that Peters was in a ok mood today, which made her relax a little. She walks up silently and knocks like she usually does, three knocks, then two quicker, small ones. 

"Enter." she hears Peters say from the other side of the door.

"Kay." Naomi says as she opens the door.

As normal, Peters is sitting at his glass top desk in his "King Chair" as he calls it, drinking a beer. But, a woman, maybe five years older, who of which she's never seen before, sits in one of his chairs in front of his desk. From the back of her blonde head, Naomi could tell that the girl was tall. Really tall. Maybe 6' 4" tall. and that she wore cute clothes. Some type of new designer label maybe, but it was definitely an outfit that she liked and wanted.

"Hello Naomi, nice to see you as always." Peters says in an unusually friendly way.

"Thanks, um, who's this?" Naomi says as she points to the woman, who's face she had not yet seen.

"Oh, yes, that's why I called you. Naomi, this is Alonsa Criado, your new team mate. She'll be driving the 31 car from now on." Peters says as he points to the woman.

The woman gets up from the chair and turns to face her. Naomi's eyes widen. The woman's strong, wise green eyes, olive skin, single freckle below her right eye, beautiful high cheek bones and full red lips shook Naomi's mind like an earthquake. She knew her, but whenever she tries to bring any memory forward, her mind becomes fuzzy. As her eyes wonder to find something else to look at, Naomi's eyes land on the pendant around Alonsa's neck. It's a topaz with three crystal hydrangea petals connected to the gem, and two curly strips of metal take the place of the fourth petal. Naomi holds her breath. She has a birthmark on the back of her neck that looks like the pendant. 
Alonsa notices her uneasiness.
"Are you alright?" she asks.
Naomi fights the urge to faint and looks Alonsa back in the eyes.
"Yeah, it's just that- Well, you look familar. But at the same time, I know that we've never met. It's weird." Naomi says as she rubs her head.
Alonsa's eyes widen, but they return to normal before Naomi or Peters notices. She then smiles innocently.
"Well, maybe you saw me on the street or something like that." Alonsa suggests.
"Yeah, that's probably where I've seen you. It would make sense." Naomi says, smiling.
Naomi puts out her hand, and Alonsa meets it in the middle, shaking it nice and firm, but not firm enough to hurt her hand.
"Well, it seems you two will get along fine. Now, Alonsa, if you could leave the room please, I need to discuss with Naomi about some tardiness that has been occurring lately." Peters says.
"Dang it, I thought I had escaped the lecture." Naomi says.
Alonsa giggles and begins to walk out. But, as she comes to stand next to Naomi she stops. Naomi looks over at her.
"What's wrong Alonsa?" Naomi asks.
Alonsa looks over at her, her eyes appearing to glow a slight gold.
"Forgive me for this." she says quietly so Peters doesn't hear.
"Huh?" Naomi says, confused. 
"I am
the keeper of my Akashic Records,
of all which is and
which shall be
Eternity it is and
Everlastingness
Oh, Three paths and
Two Pillars;
Open your Portals!" Alonsa whispers.

Suddenly, Naomi feels wind blowing at her hair from behind, which isn't possible, seeing as how they were in an inclosed space. Her mind jolts with unrecognized pain, shifting scenes passing her minds eye so fast that she can only see specks of certain visions. As more fill her head, Alonsa says more.

"The Queen,

Lost to us all,

So long ago

that she herself doesn't know

Who she is 

or that her reflection,

Is the same face worn

by my beloved Queen.

Now, I call out,

to you, my Queen.

I call your name,

I turn back time,

to the last days you saw

and unlock your mind,

releasing what was once known,

Now hear me and go back,

Calankaiana!" Alonsa says, power in her soft voice.

Naomi's heartbeat exaggerates, her being able to hear it in her ears. She drops to her hands and knees, breathing hard. In the background, she hears Kaylee's and Penny's muffled voices, echoing as if they were now far away. Peters' footsteps are very pronounce as she senses him now in front of her, probably shaking her. But, only one voice comes through normally, and that's Alonsa's,

"That's right Naomi, let go of this time for now and begin your journey. The journey which begins in your 1st life in the ancient past. Your past in Egypt..." 

Then, she sees white all around, then darkness.