Amen quietly follows Nebet as she leads him through the intricate underground maze that is Thebes' necropolis. Conceived and built during the reign of Thutmose's father, this labyrinth spans nearly half the length of the city and is safeguarded by magic and traps only recognizable by a trusted circle of priests—Nebet being one of them. Illusory walls and false paths have led to the capture or demise of many a grave robber. The necropolis is also divided into different sections, namely for the distinction between the common folk and those of nobility. The departed nobles tend to have chambers for themselves which houses their valuables and mummified pets. Mummification of the departed is either for the very wealthy or those of unique distinction like queens and important palace officials. Embalming the dead is a labored process and can almost be consider an art form in some ways. Perhaps Nebet would agree.

After a good twenty minutes or so, Nebet informs Amen that they have arrived at Thutmose's burial chamber, and an impressive chamber it is with numerous valuables placed about. The sarcophagus itself at the center of the chamber is of brass and gold adorned with various jewel inlays. Such an expensive piece wasted on a place like this. After all, it's not as if Thutmose is using it. His body is at the Valley of Kings with the rest of the departed pharaohs throughout Egyptian history. Surrounding the elaborate coffin are jars with cat heads and falcon heads—ones typically designed to preserve the organs of the deceased but are here simply for ceremony. At at the very back of the chamber is statue of the sun composed entirely of pure gold. Symbiotically, it watches over the dead for all of eternity, functioning as a light to guide the spirit pass Anubis' trial to the sea of life and the Elysian Fields.

The sun is the utmost important symbol of Thebes and is a major component of every culture within every kingdom of Egypt. Thebes is, after all, described by many as the "Empire of the Sun" and recognizes the god Ra as the most important deity. [color=#FFD700]"I'll only be a few minutes."[/color] Amen tells Nebet before he enters the chamber and approaches the sarcophagus. What is he supposed to do exactly? Consult the late pharaoh? Amen looks down at the sarcophagus with a halfhearted smile. [color=#FFD700]"You couldn't let me have my revenge, could you? Dying before I could confront you. And then you make me a pharaoh? Is this some kind of sick joke? Damn you..."[/color] Amen's halfhearted smile turns to gritted teeth and he balls his hands into fists. [color=#FFD700]"You have no right to ask this of me. Not after what you did to me and my mother."[/color] Amen sighs and relaxes himself. [color=#FFD700]"But...  I'll do it. I'll be Thebes' pharaoh. And I'll become a better one than you, that's for sure. So, keep watching. After all, you're everywhere now right? You're part of the same sea that flows all around."[/color]

A few minutes later, Amen exits the chamber and rejoins Nebet. [color=#FFD700]"I've said what I came to say. Let's head back."[/color] On the way back, Amen pays close attention to Nebet. Out of his council, she is the most reserved. She doesn't wear her heart on her sleeve like Zamonth and Satiah. She isn't as earnest as Qar nor blatantly scheming as Aperel. When she talks, she sounds like she's speaking her mind but there is a degree of authenticity that is lacking. But perhaps Amen is overthinking things. They've just met so Nebet isn't going to show her true nature so soon. Sill... [color=#FFD700]"Hey Nebet, I hope you know that you can speak freely around me. Just because I'm the Pharaoh, it doesn't mean that you have to dance around any words. Just tell me like it is."[/color] Amen tells her.

As soon as the pair exit the necropolis, a knife comes flying pass Amen, cutting just the skin of his cheek and drawing a bit of blood. [color=#FFD700]"What the-"[/color]

[color=#BAAED6]"I missed. I don't usually miss."[/color] A voice emanates from a shadowy part of the hall.

[color=#FFD700]"Who's there?!"[/color] Amen shouts out. Then he notices the bodies of priests and priestesses strewn about.

[color=#BAAED6]"Wipe the shock from your face, they aren't dead. Simply unconscious on account of the spell that was placed on them. Interestingly enough, it seems you two aren't affected. Ahh, I see it. The essence that flows around you. It's warding off the spell of its own accord. Only those with an affinity for essence has had this happened. It matters little in the end. This'll only be a bit messier than I had intended."[/color] A figure leaps from behind a pillar with blazing speed and attempts to attack Amen. However, Amen takes his scepter and swipes it horizontally, creating a strong gust of wind that knocks the figure back. He lands onto one knee and looks at Amen and Nebet. One of his eyes glow a golden color. [color=#BAAED6]"A Magician? How bothersome..."[/color] The assailant seems displeased.

[color=#FFD700]"What? You thought you could kill me so easily? I'm offended by the mere thought. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Fitting that a necropolis is right here cause I might just send you to an early grave."[/color] Amen smiles confidently.

The assailant's eyes widened. [color=#BAAED6]You!"[/color]

[color=#FFD700]"Heh, know who I am, do you? That's right, I'm the great and powerful Amenho-"[/color]

[color=#BAAED6]"Lady Nebet!"[/color]

[color=#FFD700]"Eh?"[/color]

The assailant removes the veil that covers his face to show Nebet who he is. [color=#BAAED6]"It's me, Yunre! After all this time... I never thought I'd see you alive again."[/color]

[color=#FFD700]"Hey, you just tried to kill me! The least you can do is not ignore me!"[/color]

[color=#BAAED6]"It's no wonder that the essence that surrounds you look so familiar. My Eye of Horus doesn't show me false things. Besides, I could never forget the essence of the woman that saved my life."[/color] An eerie smile creeps across Yunre's face as his golden eye shines even more brilliantly.

~Elsewhere~

While Satiah wanders the street by her lonesome, Zamonth and Qar are nearby enjoying some food and a conversation. But the festivities are soon to end as an injured guard struggled his way to Satiah. Meanwhile, a food vendor approaches Zamonth and Qar. He begins asking them if they're enjoying their meal. "S-Satiah!" The injured guard musters the last of his strength to call out Satiah's name before he collapses onto the dirt floor. The citizens in the area scatter to the side as he falls dead. Zamonth and Qar would probably take notice of the event as well. A deep stab wound is present on the guard's back. Satiah would most likely recognize him as part of a patrol group doing their rounds across the city tonight. With Zamonth and Qar distracted for a brief moment, the food vendor that approached them unsheathes a blade and attempts to strike Zamonth from behind. In the distance, masked individuals begin to appear amongst the crowd.