The Life and Times of Bonnie Chance

In a While Crocodile

Memphis and Ragash's groups traveled to Egypt together, sharing hospitality with each other. By the time they got to Egypt, everyone, aside from Bonnie and Ruka, were convinced that Ragash was a thoroughly good guy; Memphis couldn't wait to introduce him to Isis. Carol was really looking forward to seeing Egypt again, but she and Bonnie were surprised when they reached the Nile River valley.

"It's been flooded!" Carol said as they boarded boats when the dry sand gave way to water.

"Yes, the Nile was running low while you were gone, but it overflowed when Pharaoh Memphis rescued you from the Assyrians," one of the women who came up to offer Carol and Bonnie flowers, said. "The Nile must be overjoyed to have you back."

"Did you hear that? It's the flood season, Bonnie!" Carol said excitedly to her cousin, who was sitting right next to her in the boat. "I think I've seen the city like that before, but you never have, right?"

"That's right," Bonnie said. "Is it like flooding from a hurricane or like acqua alta in Venice?"

"I think it's more like acqua alta, in the sense that there's no panic, but the water is deep enough for light boats, I think," Carol said.

"What are those things you're talking about?" Memphis asked. He was sitting on the other side of Carol.

"Oh, it's—" Carol began, but Bonnie stopped her by placing a hand on her shoulder after glancing at Ragash, who was sharing their boat with them.

"We'll tell you later," Bonnie told Memphis quietly.

"Why not just tell me now?" Memphis asked.

'Yeah, Bonnie, why not now?" Carol asked.

"Because we shouldn't be saying things we know from the future around just anyone," Bonnie scolded her cousin quietly.

"Oh!" Carol said, covering her mouth. "That's right. We'll tell you later," she told Memphis.

"I'm feeling left out now," Ragash said.

"You shouldn't. We just don't want to bother you with boring details," Bonnie said. "You must be excited. You're going to see Isis soon."

"Yes, can you tell me more about her?" Ragash asked.

"Well, she's definitely beautiful," Bonnie said. She couldn't say much for her personality, since she was determined to make Carol suffer to the point where she even wanted to see her dead. Bonnie had never been that jealous before, but she liked to think that she wouldn't stoop to those methods even if she was.

"Isis really is beautiful!" Carol said. "She's one of the prettiest women I've ever seen."

"Yes, Isis is very lovely," Memphis agreed. "You won't be disappointed," he told Ragash.

—∞—

"So, Carol is coming back? I had hoped she would die in Assyria..." Isis said bitterly, staring out from the palace onto the water below while she leaned against a pillar.

"My apologies!" Ari said sincerely, bowing to Isis. "If only I had caught Carol while she was near Giza! I could've killed her for you then..."

"I can't let Carol marry Memphis. I won't let them have a second wedding!" Isis said, clenching her fist. "I want Carol gone!!"

"... With the rising water level, it wouldn't be that strange of a crocodile or two came into the palace, would it?" Ari said after giving it some thought. "We could have the crocodiles eat Carol!"

"That's it! If Carol were to die in some horrible 'accident' like that, then I could be rid of her, and my reputation wouldn't suffer!" Isis said. "Ari, acquire the crocodiles, and make sure they're starving so they'll be extra aggressive!"