- 20 years later -

The sun and the wind were burning in this landscape of nothingness. Only a few scorpions dared to crawl on the hot sand of the Sahara desert. Well, this time they weren't alone: A woman dressed in black, riding a camel, was wandering the dry hills under the bluest of skies. Lorelei had changed a lot in two decades. A black veil covered her long brown hair and half of her face, following the local fashion, passing completely unseen among the land's people. She was now in Egypt, and she had forsaken everything behind. As years went by, her dreams became more precise and vivid, her fear transformed into curiosity, in a need to know always more. She no longer dreaded sleep, in fact she was waiting for it the whole day. With only food, money and a tent, she left home, with her visions as her sole guides. A turning point in a life of hatred.

Lorelei: Sir! Please, can you help me?

Man: Yes?

Lorelei: Do you know anything about what we call "the Kin"?

Hearing those words, every single person she'd ask would run away like she was plagued. At the beginning Lorelei didn't know at all why they all acted like this. It's only at her stopover at Denderah that she learned about the Kin and the people's strange behavior.

She reached the Valley of Kings after 4 hours of riding through the desert. It took her less time to find what she was searching for. The entrance of the Kin was a flaw in the nip of two cliffs, like she saw in her dream. This place had been forgotten here for centuries, but myths and legends were still to be heard nowadays.

*You must be crazy to even think of finding it...*

Leaving the camel and most of her stuff behind, she worked her way into the fault. Inside she found a paved path leading deeper into the cliff and a series of torches. It lit up with the help of a match. She then proceeded into in the flaw.

*...Kin is the name of the tomb of one of the most ancient pharaohs of Egypt...*

Stairs were carved right in the stone, and went deep down in the floor. Strangely Lorelei felt no fear, but the air around her was heavy and dirty, making her breathing hard.

*...He was respected and admired by all, but in fact he was an assassin, given a matchless cruelty. His only goal was to serve his interests: absolute power over every living thing, wealth and women at will...*

The stairs led to a huge room, with awkward hieroglyphs painted on the walls, and dusty spider webs. Broken statuettes littered the sandy ground. She lit every oil lamp in the room so that she could see it better.

*…At his death and embalming, it is said that the Gods cursed him. If one day he'd come back to life, his hunger for human flesh and his thirst for blood would be limitless…*

In the background of the room, surrounded by two statues of Anubis, was a black sarcophagus. She recognized it from her dream. This sarcophagus was quite uncommon: there was no face carved on the death mask, nor hieroglyphs. No protective drawings were painted on the stone. Only a strange symbol was etched on it. Lorelei felt herself attracted to this mark, and she reached for it. Echoes in the room sounded like a bewitching voice to her, chanting again and again. Her palm was now a few centimeters from the mark.

*…He's a millenary monster, the Ruler of the Anubis Dynasty, an unstoppable avenger. "So be it, it shall be done" his motto was. His name his…*

"Amen-Râ" Lorelei whispered as she touched the cold stone.


A loud noise made the room shake and she removed her hand from the sarcophagus. To her surprise, the mark etched in it had disappeared completely. The flames of the lamps were burning harder, and a cloud of dust filled the room, irritating her lungs and throat further. She stepped back and coughed, tears in her eyes, and then she understood what was going on: the sarcophagus had opened. Once the dust had dispersed, and her eyes ceased to water, she looked at the sarcophagus as silence was there again. Lorelei broke it with a shriek when she saw a rotten hand clench on the edge of the lid. This time the sarcophagus opened slowly with creaking noises, revealing to her a mummy dressed as a warrior, with a lacerated face. His attire was that of royalty, the fine ornamented linen still preserved from the ravages of time. Some of his bandages had come loose with centuries and left blackened muscle exposed. Lorelei was terrified and moved back until her back was against the wall. Her legs where trembling, and keep standing became a hard task. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it would explode. The mummy laid his white eyes on her, and grinned.

Lorelei: (to herself) What have I done?

Knowing the temperament of the monster, she dreaded to end up as the mummy's plaything and food. As he was coming closer and closer, Lorelei felt her throat tighten. She had a dagger attached to her leg in case she needed to defend herself, but here it was totally useless since he was already dead. She cursed under her breath. The old man was right, she was crazy to dare come here, and right now she felt like she was going to die. The monster growled, his desiccated tongue licking non-existent lips. He was now one meter from her, and she looked at him straight in the eyes, summoning the last bits of bravery inside her. He stopped before her, and… bowed down to her?!

This gesture surprised Lorelei, in quite a unique way. Why would he do such a thing? She relaxed a bit, but she stayed ready to attack, or runaway. This pharaoh had indeed a strange behavior, even in death. When he lifted up his head, she saw that his look had changed. Every ounce of his animosity had vanished, replaced with what looked like euphoria. He laughed lightly.

Amen: Sorry if I scared you to death, but it was just too tempting, and your face was priceless.

Her breath was still stuck into her throat and her limbs where paralyzed. This was too weird to be true.

Amen: I'm Amen-Râ, but… just call me Amen. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I was waiting for our savior for so many years.

Okay, this shit was all real. A friendly mummy. One didn't witness that every day. She swallowed, and her heart stopped racing. So all this "scary-looking-mummy-that's-gonna-eat-you-up" thing was all a joke? She was pissed, and tried her best not to punch him.

Lorelei: My name is Lorelei Landers. I'm not gonna thank you for your spooky welcome.

He scratched the back of his head, a toothy grin stuck on his face. Lorelei sighed. Who would have thought the feared blood-thirsty monster of the Kin was in fact a playful mummy spitting out nonsense. Nonsense?

Lorelei: Wait… "our savior" you said?

Amen: Ah… You don't know a thing of this entire story, do you? I'm going to tell you everything I know. But first things first, and excuse me for it, but being trapped in this for millenniums made me terribly hungry. I'll be back in a few minutes.

She watched him bowing down to her again, and leaving the room. Staying still for a while, dumbfounded by the encounter, Lorelei tried to reorganize the thoughts in her head, and to calm down after this strange series of events. Quite an unexpected ally she just found.


Lorelei: (exasperated) In what kind of mess have I got in ?!

Following the steps of the Pharaoh she went outside the tomb. When the hot air and the last rays of the sun finally reached her, he was nowhere to be seen. Her stomach knotted when she realized he had gone out for flesh. Night was slowly falling upon the Valley of Kings, the first bits of darkness crawling into the horizon. Lorelei took her veil and put it over her shoulders, and searched for some food in her backpack, she was hungry too. Her thoughts went back to Amen's curse, and her throat went dry as she realized she was responsible for innocent people to be devoured tonight. She shrugged and took a bite of her waffle, trying to appease the pain in her stomach. For some reason, she had the inconsistent feeling she'd done something right when she freed the Mummy, despite the terrible consequences. That was crazy, but it was all real.

Amen came back half an hour later, his jaw soaked in blood and his hand resting on his belly. He noticed that she'd lit up a fire to keep herself warm, using the wood that was stored in his tomb. A small tent had been pitched in a hurry, containing her belongings. Lorelei winced at the sight of him, and when he saw her uneasy face he burst into laughter.

Amen: Don't worry, you're not part of my menu.

He wiped the blood from his mouth and sat beside her. She seemed less upset, but still on her guard.

Amen: I'm sorry I left this fast, but I didn't eat a thing in almost 3 millenniums. Thank you very much for freeing me from my prison.

Lorelei: You're welcome. I felt it was the right thing to do. Now can you please explain to me this whole "savior" thing?

Amen: The right thing to do?

Lorelei: Yes, I knew all the consequences it would have, but I did it nonetheless. It felt like an insight, obviousness.

The mummy laid back, resting his weight on his elbows and crossing his legs. His state of relaxation was unbelievable.

Amen: Well, here's the thing: Centuries ago, my fellows and I had for a project to change the world, to eradicate the human elite in purpose to create a world that resembled us, a world that would seem more righteous to us, where every creature could live. The Arockalypse would've come true if a community of humans with radical and twisted ideas hadn't come in our way. After a battle that exhausted our strength and hopes, they captured us monsters and lock us up all around the world, and they sent every creature such as demons and zombies and so on in Hell, without any hope to see the sunlight again. All this while humans thrived on Earth, ignoring completely what was living beneath their feet. These men hid the truth from everyone, in order to manipulate their minds. However, I've been told that one day we shall all be freed by someone with great powers. It's you Lorelei I've been waiting for, you're our savior, the one who's gonna free us all, and one day we shall be reunited and we'll get our revenge. Maybe that's why you felt like what you did was obvious and right, it was meant to be.

Lorelei: Wow… Hey, wait a minute. I am supposed to help you annihilate humans? But how can I do such a thing? I am human, remember?

Amen: In fact you're not, well not entirely.

Lorelei froze and looked at him stunned. This whole story was indeed becoming stranger and stranger…


Lorelei: What did you say?

Amen: That you weren't fully human.

Lorelei: It can't be!

Amen: But it's the truth. Tell me, you can see things, snippets of reality. You are able to know where people are and what they're doing at the very moment. You know if something exists or not, if it's true or not, like it's obvious, without needing any proofs just like what happened today. Don't you?

Lorelei: How do you know… (gets angry) Are you the one responsible of all this?

Amen: Not at all.

Lorelei: (shouts) Then what's wrong with me?! What's about all these things I can do that ruined my childhood? Those "powers" I tried to hide in order to live a normal life?

Amen: Please calm down! I'll tell you, but stop shouting 'cause it won't change a thing!

She did as he told, placing a hand on her mouth, distress showing on her face. The mummy took a deep breath.

Lorelei: Alright, how do you know so much about me?

Amen: Our leader, Lordi, told me before we got caught, but I don't know where he learned or heard that. You're in fact the last descendant of the Scythe clan. Those people possessed great powers such as clear-sightedness, precognition and telepathy for the best trained. They've all been slaughtered a thousand years ago. You're partially human, but it's mystic blood that runs in your veins. That's why you can see and hear things in your sleep. Clear-sightedness and other dormant powers are part of you.

Lorelei: But how is this possible…? My mother's normal… My father…

Lorelei rose and stayed still. That Lordi guy knew much more about her than her own parents, and what Amen just told to her put her 28 years of life into question. In a few minutes, her identity, her past, her future escaped her grip. She didn't know who she was anymore. She thought about that Arockalypse project Amen and his companions had. The idea to end the world seemed awful to her, however it wasn't a fortuity that she'd dreamt of these monsters. She had to testify to herself that the world she was living in disgusted her, she loathed it. How often had she wondered where were love, life and hope among war, disease, death and hate? Was she meant to be a part of the Arockalypse? She didn't really know. She turned to face the Pharaoh, looking at him with empty eyes.

Lorelei: Am I supposed to make the Arockalypse happen by freeing you all?

Amen: I think so.

Lorelei: (unsure) I can't do this… I don't see myself slaying, I don't want blood on my hands…

Amen: Listen, we want to get revenge on those prophets of false who jailed us and the human elite in order to take over power. I didn't say we'll annihilate humanity, or that you would have to kill for us. I don't really like humans, and you know what my curse is, but if some of them want to fight for us, to be by our side, then why not? We'd let them live.

Lorelei thought about his words. After all she'd already begun her task to free them. Then she thought about what Lordi could tell her. It sounded selfish of course, but the evidence was there: she cared for no one in this world, those innocents were unknown to her, and no one missed her, not even her parents. How she hated them, how she hated her life… On that moment, something changed in her, something broke. Maybe this revenge wasn't meant to be only theirs… Her looks turned grave, and her hands curled into fists.

Lorelei: If I help you, I want in return that Mr Lordi tells me everything he knows about me and my ancestry, and that you let the people choose if they'd follow you or not. That's all I ask.

Amen: You're too kind to my taste, but you have my word. Everything you said will be done. Anyway, those humans will be so scared we'll have nothing to do. A single "Boo!" and they're at our feet!

He let out a hearty laugh, while Lorelei remained unphased.

Lorelei: Very well, we have a deal then.

Amen: Thank you Lorelei, and welcome in our monster band! I wonder if I have some beer left in my tomb so that we could celebrate…

Lorelei: I don't think it's a good idea Amen.

Amen: Oh… You're a killjoy.

He watched her get up and nest inside her tent, her face neutral and monotone. He wondered why she changed her mind that radically, and if it was related to her gaze changing and becoming sad and her limbs clenching in anger.


The cold night wind of the desert blew through Lorelei's hair, and she shivered. She rubbed her arms, the veil still covering her but not really protecting her from the chilly breeze. The moon was shining bright, tainting the desert a beautiful silvery color. Unfortunately the spectacle was tainted by a series of yawning. Lorelei's eyes were heavy and her whole body was aching. It was time for her to go to sleep.

Amen: Wouldn't it be better to pitch your tent in the antechamber? You'd be protected from sandstorms.

Lorelei: No thanks. The air's more breathable outside, but if there's a sandstorm then I'll go in.

Amen: As you wish. Good night, if there's a problem just call me.

Although people said he was a terrible and fearsome monster, Amen had until now been kind to her. This detail reassured her, because she'd just agreed to be part of a monstrous travel around the world. She shall meet other monsters on her way and she wished they would be as nice as the Pharaoh, for her own well-being. She wondered also why she trusted him, again it felt like the right thing to do. She cursed under her breath: those powers were getting on her nerves when speaking of acts and thoughts.

She didn't know what the future had in store for her, however she wasn't that scared. Wasn't it after all the life adventure she was looking for? Picking outside her comfortable cocoon, she looked around only to see that Amen wasn't there anymore. She checked her surroundings in case he'd made her another joke. Nobody. Satisfied, she crawled into her sleeping bag and fell asleep.

She knew it, another mystic dream came to haunt her sleep. She realized that unlike the other ones she was fully aware in there and free to do anything her heart desired. She could interact with things and people around her. What she saw that night was not unknown to her: ruins, temples and white cobbled streets, the sea and wide plains. She abruptly woke up the next morning, not a single trace of tiredness left, remembering perfectly her dream. She got out of the tent and ran into the tomb, then knocked on the sarcophagus.

Lorelei: Amen! Amen, open this thing! I saw something last night.

No answer. The sarcophagus wasn't entirely closed so she supposed he would hear if he was in. She dared to take a look inside.

Lorelei: Amen, are you in there?

Still no answer. Losing patience and perhaps precious time, she decided to open the sarcophagus. There was nothing in it.

Amen: BOO!

Lorelei screamed and jumped, surprised. Amen was behind her, laughing madly holding his ribs. She turned to face him and slapped his putrefied cheek.

Lorelei: You idiot, twisted Mummy! Never do that again or next time I'll aim for something much more prone to pain.

Amen: (still laughing) It was so funny to do! Scare the crap out of people is so exciting and cool. By the way, no hits under the belt please.

Lorelei: Already told you: No more jokes and you'll be safe.

Amen: Such a frightful and sadistic woman you are. Anyway… You were looking for me?

Lorelei: Yes. I had a dream last night and I saw something.

Amen: Go on.

Lorelei: I'm sure it was somewhere in Crete, I went there on holidays once. I was wandering in the streets, temples and ruins next to me. I arrived in front of a labyrinth, and I felt like I was followed by someone. I ran into it and in its center I found a bronze statue of the well known Minotaur monster. This shadow was still behind me and it felt so wrong… Does it ring a bell to you?

There was silence for a moment. Amen then snapped out of his thinking and dugged into one of his chests of riches. He drew out a golden sword and handed it to Lorelei.

Amen: Take apart your tent and gather your things, we're leaving right now.

Lorelei: For Crete? What does that mean? Are we going to fight?

Amen: The Minotaur you saw is OX, captive in the Dedalus labyrinth. And if you saw someone else too, then we'd better be ready to fight.

Lorelei: But… How are we gonna get there…?

Amen: We'll see!

Lorelei attached the sword to her hip, and followed him outside with a flow of questions that found no precise answers.