Title:
Fury - Chapter Sixteen – Drop
Rating:
PG13 prolly eventually
Author:
Angel - ninthsaturn@yahoo.com - http://oocities.com/saturnfiction
Summary:
Evy finds a secret temple that holds an ancient deadly force. Cataclysm
ensues.
Notes:
Set about a year after The Mummy. An alternate "Mummy Returns"
of sorts. At this point I have a vague idea of where this story will go,
so bear with me...and possible name changes. :D I haven't written Mummy
in a while, so if this little prologue sucks, I apologize. :D
Disclaimer:
No infringement intended.
Codes:
Imhotep/Evy, Ardeth/Meela
*
Restless
and alone. A weary soul has traveled home. What am I to do in a
world without you? I don't want to believe. I turned around and
you're gone. All those sweet memories of loving you for so long.
Tait,
Unglued from Tait.
There was
an air of frustration in the car when they pulled up to the manor. Each
had been so sure that they were on the right track. That tonight they
would find Evy and return her and Imhotep safely. Unfortunately that
didn't happen. Tonight's search had left them with nothing to show for
their work except weariness and worry.
The air
smelled fresh after the previous night's rain and the coolness of the breeze
was pleasant to Ardeth as he stepped from the car. After tonight he was
looking forward to a good night's rest. Not that he hadn't gotten used to
the constant aching of his muscles and joints. This lifestyle was going
to age him prematurely if he weren't careful.
But it
seemed, to him at least, that things were looking up. Jonathan hadn't
quite forgiven him yet, but was becoming more able to remain civil and even
joke back and forth with the Med-Jai. It was a small relief on the whole
problem, but anything was a plus right now--especially the bed that awaited
him. He could see the same destination in the eyes of his
companions. And he could see the same disheartened helplessness that he
felt too. He refused to believe Evy was just gone and the situation
unbeatable. They were invincible, of course. Isn't that what every
good story was like?
Even if
reality didn't always allow for that, Ardeth still held onto that hope that
things would turn out all right in the end. The other two were silent as
Jonathan unlocked the front door. The warrior sighed inwardly, knowing
that locking the door wasn't entirely necessary. They were going to have
to fix that back door before they left for Egypt. Egypt? He frowned
at that conclusion, but supposed it was natural that they would end up back
there. It was becoming increasingly apparent to him that she hadn't
broken the third seal. Or was he just hopeful?
Climbing
the stairs behind Jonathan, O'Connell trailing behind, Ardeth licked his lips
and pushed everything out of his mind. He coughed lightly, trying to hide
it, and said, "Goodnight," in reply to Rick.
"Nighty
night, chaps," Jonathan yawned, heading down the hallway to his own room.
Two seconds
into the bedroom Ardeth peeled off his reclaimed desert robes and sunk
underneath the covers. The sheets were slightly chilly, a comfortable and
almost fresh feeling against his sore body. The Med-Jai closed his eyes
as soon as his head hit the pillow. The last thing he remembered was
wondering where Ancksunamun was hiding and if Evy and Imhotep were okay.
*
He
hadn't seen her in over three weeks, but any fool around the palace could see
something strange was going on. Nefertiri was sullen and waspish even,
much to the concern of her father. She rarely smiled now and her eyes
grew distinctly cold whenever anyone mentioned her father's choice
concubine. Akhenre threw a stone into the pond he sat before and gazed at
the blue waters. "What have you done, Ancksunamun?" he
breathed.
Sliding
down beside him, Nycolaus lightened his voice and batted his eyelashes at his
friend. "Why, Akhenre, whatever do you mean?" He smirked
and elbowed his friend. "You still hung up on her?"
"You
would not understand my feelings," the Egyptian replied, looking again at
the water. He'd betrayed her. Even if he'd saved himself from
betraying Seti and endangering his soul, he still had betrayed Ancksunamun.
Every time he thought of those eyes it hurt him.
Nycolaus
sat back and dipped his toes into the pond's cool surface. He seemed
agitated. "No, you're right. I don't understand. Ancksunamun
isn't exactly the nicest person in the world, you know. She tricked
Nefertiri and took her lover away from her. I don't understand what's so
good about a person that can do that to an innocent young girl." His
voice was hard. "I can admit that I wanted Nefertiri, but I didn't
go against Imhotep in some underhanded scheme to get her."
"Ancksunamun
did that?" he breathed, unable to believe that the woman he knew would do
such a thing. The concubine was quiet and distant, but he knew she wasn't
like that. Or hadn't been, anyway. Not that he knew her
anymore. "Imhotep is her lover now?" That stung.
Nycolaus
nodded moodily. He'd had an open crush on Nefertiri for a while now and
would naturally find anyone that hurt her totally offensive. Akhenre
wondered idly what he'd do to Imhotep if the priest were at fault.
"Yeah. It's all pretty messed up right now. Look, Nef doesn't
want anyone knowing right now, despite the fact that Imhotep is a lying bastard
that's using her father's concubine and deserves death. Don't say
anything. I've got to be at my post. You can do a lot better than Ancksunamun,
Akhenre."
"Thanks,
my friend," Akhenre said as his friend got up and left. But contrary
to Nycolaus' beliefs concerning the matter, it wasn't what he could get from Ancksunamun
that bothered him as much as wondering what she'd gotten herself into. If
Pharaoh found out she was with another man she could be put to death along with
Imhotep. Akhenre frowned, thinking of the priest's face. Up until
now he'd merely tolerated the uncompromising self-serving priest, but now hatred
began to burn. If he had caused this...had somehow seduced Ancksunamun...
A shadow
formed above the water as someone came to stand behind him. The newcomer
crouched behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"Akhenre," Ancksunamun whispered, placing her lips on his
cheek. "I have missed you."
He
stiffened, conscious that if they were caught his life would be forfeit. "Have
you fought with Imhotep?" he asked coldly. "Is that why you
have come to me?"
Her arms
around him tightened for a moment as she continued to hold him.
"Akhenre, I do not love the High Priest. I am merely using
him. You have my heart even though you tore it to shreds by denying
me."
"We
would have both been killed." Using Imhotep, was she? Her
innocence was all but gone it seemed. "What kind of woman are you
becoming that you use men now, Ancksunamun?"
She
turned him to face her, her eyes hard as she looked him up and down.
"Like you used me?" He opened his mouth to protest but she
hushed him with two fingers. "Do not deny it. You took me to
your bed once, but have never touched me since. If you have love for me
then prove it! Take me away from here."
He
pushed her fingers away, his brow furrowed and his emotions stirring in fifteen
different directions. "Ancksunamun, you know I cannot. Such an
action would..."
"Deceiver!"
she hissed before he could finish. He hadn't seen the dagger behind her
back, so when she drew it forth it came as a surprise. A deadly surprise.
Falling
back from the wound inflicted upon him, Akhenre gasped and groaned. He
brought his hand up to the dagger that protruded from him, then raised
it. His own blood met his eyes.
Ancksunamun
leaned over him and her eyes were filled with tears. She pressed her lips
against his gently and kissed him one last time. "I had to,
Akhenre. For Set, you understand. You cannot love me, but Set can
promise me more than even that if I obey and give you to him as a
sacrifice. I wish things could have been different. I will take
your body to the temple of Set, my love. And lay you to rest where my god
lays."
The pain
was lessening and the world around him fading as he lay in her arms.
Disbelief coursed through him but more than that, hurt towards her and for
her. There were fates worse than death and Ancksunamun would live to find
that out if she truly served Set. But even though she, his murderer, had
cause him such pain, he could not ignore the irony within his own heart.
He still
loved her. With his last breath he told her so and she cried, cradling
him to her as he died. The last thing he saw before closing his eyes for
the final time were hers, dark and broken, shining with tears and immeasurable
grief. He could only hope the gods would guide her back from her dark
path, for now he could not.
*
Meela
grinned as her protector walked around the lobby, his eyes hard as he looked
around. The early morning blueness tinted everything in the room.
"Your father would not be amused," he informed her, crossing his
large arms. He could always be counted upon to be overly cautious, but
the important thing was that he was loyal to her - not her father. He
would do anything she commanded simply because he'd been trained to do
so. Being a wealthy man, her father could afford the luxury of taking in
a young boy of ten to raise him up. She had been merely a few weeks old
when Lock-nah had been taken in and trained to be her protector. That was
his life's work and he was paid handsomely for it.
But he
could be over protective about her when he set his mind to it. "My
father isn't required to give his opinion," she replied, getting a stern
glance in response. She smiled. "Lock-nah, we have much to do
in so little time. We must reach the temple soon so that Set may again
walk the earth."
The large
warrior nodded his head, his eyes betraying nothing of the thoughts
within. She had explained things to him in a simple personal letter and
without question he'd come from his searching for her in Jordan to obey her
commands. Meela needed a way to Egypt, something private, and Lock-nah
was nothing if not resourceful. Without the angels of Set lumbering behind
her company she could also walk freely without expending her energy on spells
to conceal them.
Stepping
onto the lift, Meela motioned her bodyguard to follow. He obeyed, gazing
at the unstable piece of equipment with disdain. They ascended on the
rickety platform three floors higher and exited. The illusion now
shattered, Ancksunamun unlocked the door to the room of solitude and opened
it. A smile spread across her lips as she beheld them, both asleep in one
another's arms. A pang of remembrance struck her and a few tears
threatened to form. Akhenre...
The priest
stirred from his place nestled in Nefertiri's embrace. She hardened her
heart and inhaled. "Wake up, Imhotep." Her voice caught a
little and she tightened her fists.
"Get
up, slave," Lock-nah added to her command. He didn't wait for the
priest to sit up before entering the small room and kicking his side.
Imhotep covered his lips to prevent any sound from escaping and curled up as
the pain shot through him. The warrior stood above him, arms crossed.
Meela
crouched down beside Imhotep, helping him sit. "I suggest you listen
to Lock-nah, Imhotep. He's not very patient." His eyes went
cold at the sight of her, but that wasn't unexpected and didn't faze her.
She could still see that urge to lash out against her with his voice and the
frustration that he could not. "Wake your little pet. We're
leaving this place."
Casting his
eyes down, the priest touched Evy's arm and shook her gently. She groaned
and rolled away. He smiled, eyeing her body and slapped her behind.
That got the desired effect and the princess sat up slowly. "Do you mind?"
she growled, rubbing at her eyes. It didn't seem to register that she
could actually see now until her eyes caught the shadow of their captors.
Nefertiri looked up with anger in her eyes and shouted, "What have
you done to Imhotep?!"
Lock-nah
wasn't impressed by Evy's outburst and quickly dragged her to her feet, raising
his hand. The priest was immediately at Nefertiri's side, fighting the
large, dark man off his princess. There wasn't time for this
nonsense. "Lock-nah! Stop this at once! Let her
go!"
He yanked
Evy towards him, ripping the arm strap to her filthy gown and growled, "I
have low tolerance towards disrespect. Remember that."
Nefertiri
cried out when he shoved her down to her knees and stepped away. Meela
frowned upon Lock-nah's direct and merciless nature, but those traits would be
the very things that served her best. She let the moment pass without any
more consideration. "We are leaving. I have some clothing for
you both to wear in public." Producing a dagger from her side, Ancksunamun
held it forth for them to view. "If either of you tries to escape I
will take this knife and put it in you, Imhotep. I'm sure you can't
contain your voice through such pain." Her gaze slid to Evy and she
shook the weapon suggestively. "Remember, if you try anything he
will die. What have you to say?"
The
bedraggled and weary princess frowned, but nodded. "I'll remember.
And I want you to remember something. By the end of this you'll be
the one dying!"
There
simply was no time to think. At that little comment Lock-nah raised his
hand and sent Nefertiri to the floor, gasping in pain and clutching to her
cheek. Imhotep's mouth opened, but he didn't speak as he lowered himself
and helped his lover. "Lock-nah!" Meela hissed, her eyes
hard. He glared back at his mistress in mild defiance. She shook
her head and left the small room, motioning for them to follow.
Meela
listened to Nefertiri's complaints as the warrior shoved her through the door
and grabbed at the silent priest. Rummaging through her bags from the
hotel, she removed clothing she'd bought for Ardeth and one of her own
dresses. She tossed them to the ground before her prisoners and rested
her hands on her hips. "Remove your clothing and wear those.
We leave for Egypt within the hour."
*
Rick rubbed
his hands on the hand towel he'd swiped from Evy's cupboard and whistled as he
traversed the long hall to see about the others. Jonathan, he knew, was
up and about. The first thing he'd done was drag himself down the stairs
in a tired stupor and usher himself straight to the liquor cabinet. Rick
shook his head, automatically hearing Evy's voice in a chiding tone. She's
safe, O'Connell, he told himself. She's a smart, strong girl.
The Med-Jai
hadn't gotten up that anyone knew of, and as nine rolled around Rick decided it
was time to wake his friend. As he neared Ardeth's room he could hear the
rustling of sheets and his friend groaning. Rick stopped whistling and
entered the room. Still asleep, Ardeth tossed in the bed slightly.
His expression was pained and his fists clenched. This wasn't good.
Touching
Ardeth's forehead, Rick furrowed his brow and grabbed his shoulders to wake
him, but instead found two brown eyes opening and fixed on him.
"Rick?" he questioned low, blinking at his friend's hands on
him. He smiled wanly. "You decided to kill me after all?"
Rick rolled
his eyes and let go. "You were having a nightmare it looked
like. You okay?"
"Yes,"
Ardeth breathed, pushing himself into a sitting position. He didn't look
okay, but knowing him he would ignore his body and go about as if he were just
fine. He rubbed at his head and exhaled. "I was
dreaming. Of my own death - or Akhenre's rather."
Nodding his
head, O'Connell grabbed a nearby chair and plopped down, kicking his feet up on
the bed to relax. "Yeah. We never knew what happened to you,
you know." He pointed to his head and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Imhotep's spell seems to be working overtime. I dreamed we found
blood where you had been sitting. But there was no body, nothing. Ancksunamun
remained at the palace, so I knew you didn't run off with her."
The Med-Jai
exhaled and made no move to get up from his place. He looked tired and
grateful for the softness around him. "So, she did take me to rest
in the temple," he breathed to himself. Rick shot him a questioning
glance. "Ancksunamun killed Akhenre, Rick. He laid in her arms
and died, still proclaiming his love."
"Man,"
Rick replied in surprise. Scratching his arm, he shook his head.
Was there nothing that woman wouldn't do? "No offense, Ardeth, but
for your sake I sure hope you have better taste these days." He
cracked a smile at his friend.
Ardeth
furrowed his brow in thought, however. There was something about his eyes
that made Rick wonder what the man was feeling about his abusive captor.
The Med-Jai pushed back the covers and pulled himself from the bed, looking
around for his shirt. He coughed a few times and Rick winced.
"Are you gonna be okay?" he asked in concern.
"I'll
be all right," Ardeth assured, gathering up his robes. "This is
nothing I have not endured before, Rick. Have you any plans?"
Rick shook
his head and snorted. "No. I have no idea in hell what we're
supposed to do. What would you suggest?"
The Med-Jai
paused in his dressing a moment, thinking over the situation. There was
an uncertainty in his eyes as he slowly slid his gaze to Rick.
"Egypt. I believe what we seek will be found there."
Of course
Rick knew what the answer would most likely be, but he had to ask anyway.
Sighing, he got up from his chair and said, "How do you know?"
True to the
ex-Legionnaire's prediction, Ardeth's face remained mysterious and
unsure. "I do not know, but something tells me that we must find the
temple of Set. I believe she will go there."
Rick nodded
and rubbed the back of his neck thoughtfully. Somehow he also had felt
they'd be going back to the golden sands of death, though he was sure it wasn't
by any supernatural means or excelled intuition. It was merely the irony
of things. Maybe that place would never leave him alone. It wouldn’t
if it never left Evy alone, he knew. "Right. Well, why don't
you get some rest, huh? I'm gonna send Jonathan out to see about some
transportation and supplies while I fix the back door. You could stand
some more sleep.
"I
should help you," Ardeth countered, already looking for his boots.
He paused and coughed.
Clapping
Ardeth on the shoulder, Rick shook his head and pushed him back to the
bed. It surprised him how easily the Med-Jai obeyed and sat back.
"Rest, Ardeth. Evy needs you at your strongest. I'll be
fine." That would get him. Ardeth was a sucker for duty, even
if he didn't look too happy about this suggestion.
He crossed
his arms and retorted, "I am not a child."
That
couldn't be passed up after the little comment about the sterilizer Ardeth had
made Rick use. He crossed his arms and grinned. "Then don't
act like one. Quit pouting. You know I'm right, so sleep."
Ardeth's
eyes flashed dangerously for a moment, but he didn't move. "I do not
pout." His voice was highly miffed.
O'Connell
shrugged and turned away. Leaving the room, he shot a look back over his
shoulder. "Rest."
*
Evy sat in
the car sullenly, her dark eyes studying the intricate weave of the fabric on
the car seat before her. The sound of small raindrops seemed to be
bidding them goodbye as they headed to wherever Meela had in mind. There
were many things on her mind, most if not all revolving around Imhotep.
She could feel his hot touch still on her body...still felt the sensations of
his mouth. It was different. She could say that much for what
they'd enjoyed together. Different in a quite good way.
But that
wasn't the only thing on her mind just now. While she could mentally
relive the night once more with enthusiasm, the other thing that had so
captured her attentions was the dream she'd had afterwards. It haunted
her with his darkness. She could still hear Imhotep's voice.
..."Do
not do this," he pleaded as the Med-Jai held him back. There was
fear written in those eyes of midnight.
Rameses
gazed at him with stern eyes. Sitting forward, Seti's eldest son pointed
a finger at the now captured priest. "You have murdered your
king! How dare you ask for your life?"
Imhotep
lowered his head, knowing that the new pharaoh was right. His voice was
low when he said, "I ask not for my life. That by right belongs to
you, Rameses." He looked so broken and frightened. "I ask
you for my soul. Do not place this black curse upon me."
Nefertiri
couldn't stop the steady stream of tears that flowed down her cheeks as she
watched from the shadows. There was no way her brother would be merciful
upon the dread priest and Nefertiri wasn't sure what to feel about that.
Her father lay dead because of this man, but she couldn't deny the part of her
that was grieved deeply by what Imhotep would endure for his evil crime.
She swallowed when Rameses laughed. "You wicked wretch!" he
spat, his face displaying his complete hatred and disgust. "I give
you nothing! Med-Jai, take him to the City of the Dead and let him watch
his evil servants be mummified. Take the High Priest of Horus and convey
to him my command that the Hom-Dai be done upon Imhotep the Blasphemer."
The
priest struggled against his captors as they dragged him towards the
door. Nefertiri covered her throat, crying openly for the turn their
lives had taken. Her priest turned his head and gazed at her
longingly. "Nefertiri..." he whispered.
She
turned her head, closing her eyes...
Those
images she could do without. Evy looked out the window and wiped her
newly wet cheeks. Her stomach hurt as she again reviewed it, unable to
stop it from happening again. It had been such a turning point in
Nefertiri's life. She'd lost everything that day and would have given up
had it not been for the love of Nycolaus.
Thinking of
Rick made her wonder what he and the others were doing. Were they looking
for her right now? The midday sun shone brightly in the London sky and
she sighed, realizing they likely had no clue Meela was taking she and Imhotep
to Egypt. What would happen to them once Ancksunamun broke the final
seal? There were too many things going on. Too many issues to work
through. Despite her heavy feelings she smiled when a hand touched hers.
Imhotep
gazed steadily, his eyes questioning her. You are okay, my princess?
he mouthed, squeezing her hand gently.
She nodded
and picked his hand up, pressing it to her face. Yes, she said
silently back. Just thinking.
His eyes
grew sad and he inhaled deeply, looking her over. He was thinking of what
lay ahead of him she knew. His sacrifice. And it hurt her like no
pain she'd ever felt - this life. Do not worry, he told her,
shaking his head to convey his point.
She'd try
not to worry, but it came right down to one fact. She didn't want to lose
him. Maybe it was selfish of her, but she just didn't want him to give
his life to speak the words that would strip Ancksunamun’s power away.
But it became increasingly and frighteningly apparent that to stop the evil god
Set, a sacrifice would in fact be demanded. She was going to lose him
again.
*
"This
place looks less than reliable," Rick commented as the three men gazed out
the car window at the small hangar. He scratched his head and
winced. "I sure hope you haven't gotten us into trouble."
He opened his door, pulling his bag with him. The cold night air chilled
the three men.
Suddenly a
door opened and a man came rushing out, a smile on his dark face. He was
quite pleased to have paying customers it seemed. "That's the man I
did business with," Jonathan informed his companions, stepping from the
car as well.
Rick's eyes
widened and he grinned. "Izzy! What are you doing in
London?"
The thin
man froze and scowled. Shaking a fist, he stomped towards the
ex-Legionnaire. "Running away from Drake, that's what! You sent
him after me. I can't believe it. After all these years, you sent
him to kill me! I should kill you right now!"
O'Connell
rolled his eyes skyward. "I didn't send Drake to kill you,
Izzy. I was kidding. It's not my fault he took me
seriously." He evaded a punch. "Come on. Where's
your sense of humor?"
Crossing
his arms, Izzy shook his head and looked Rick and his friends over, bending to
look in the car at Ardeth. "You're leading me back to Egypt so that
snake of a boss of ours can kill me. I know it and I'm not going to fall
for it. What did he offer you, anyway?"
"Nothing,"
Rick answered impatiently. He shivered at the breeze. "Look,
if you don't trust me then at least let me borrow your plane."
"Ha!"
Izzy exclaimed, opening his arms in exaggerated exasperation. "I
don't think so, O'Connell. I'm not about to let you wander off in one of
my beauties. You'll just have to find another way. Business is
closed."
Rick bit
his lip a moment, thinking. "Okay," he said, turning
away. He pointed to the car seriously. "You see that big man
in there? I think I'll let him kill you now. Ardeth, wanna have a
little fun?" He smiled at his friend and motioned him out in a
cheery way, noting that Izzy was backing off.
With a
smile, Bay pulled himself from the vehicle slowly and with considerable
effort. Rick sighed, remembering his wounds and cold when he
coughed. The man behind him hissed out a breath. "Kill
me? He can barely get out of the car!"
Jonathan
decided to get in on the fun and laughed. "My friend, true he is
injured, but if you could see him fight when he's fully able you wouldn't be so
confident even in his present state. Come on, Ardeth. Show him what
you've got."
Fully
standing now, Ardeth nonchalantly reached for his scimitar and advanced on the
now slightly frightened Izzy. "This will not take long if you relax,
my friend," he said for added effect.
"Hey...now
wait a minute, Rick. You can't just kill a man in his own parking
lot!" Izzy stumbled backwards and landed unceremoniously on his
rear.
O'Connell
stroked his chin thoughtfully, watching Ardeth get closer and closer. He
smiled down. "It's not in my hands. Ardeth needs to get to
Egypt and if you don't take him..." He shrugged as if he didn't
care.
Izzy
cowered from the tall and imposing warrior that stood above. "All
right! All right! I'll take you to Egypt. Put your sword
away."
"You
didn't say 'please'," Ardeth warned, obviously liking his role. Rick
smirked.
"Please!
Rick, call off your brute!" the man below cried. He scowled when
Ardeth's scimitar was sheathed, but took the hand Jonathan offered in
help. "But let's get one thing straight. I'm not going
anywhere near Cairo! Drake's got half his bloody garrison after me
because of you!"
*
Heyas
all. Not as suspenceful, but setting up both the past and the future,
eh? Hope you enjoyed. :) RedLady, thanks again for reviewing.
:) I have noooo clue what Rick will do...I have no idea what will happen usually
past each chapter..lol. FanoftheMummy, thanks for the review! Immy
and Evy have a lot to think about, huh? Mija, writers block sucks.
;) I so empathize. Buff, thanks for returning! lol. You
were right about my liking Immy in chapter 9. :) Was nice to see him be
friendly and kind. Marcher, thanks a bunch!! I'm glad you don't
find my humor annoying...lol. I don't have the story written to post
chapters every few days...I could never have patience to wait for feedback. ;)
Wildcardgal, my 100th reviewer, yes..I have been busy thanks to Deana.
She's been cheering me on from day one! Thanks! Deana, of course
thank you for cheering me on...it means a lot!!! :)
You all
rock!!! Thanks to all reviewers and non's. :D -Angel