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