Tomb Raider:

The Adventures of Lara Croft



Book 1-Curse of the Scorpion



Chapter 3- When the Bad Feeling Comes to Visit





It was around seven in the morning when Hillary came into Lara's room to wake her up. He walked slowly, not making a sound. He slide open the white shades that covered the huge glass windows of her room, letting the sun's rays stream in and light up the entire room. He then set a silver tray on the small ancient wooden table near her bed. On the tray was a white porcelain cup of steaming hot coffee.



Lara slowly opened her eyes when she smelt the distinct aroma of freshly brewed coffee and felt the warm rays of the sun on her soft skin. "Mmm...Good morning Hillary.". She smiled as she sat up in her bed. "Good morning. Did you sleep well?". Hillary questioned in his usual morning tone. Lara stretched her arms and then stood up. Her white pyjama pants and tank top glistening in the sun. "Well...Let's just say that I have a strange feeling about today.".



Hillary raised his eyebrow in confusion, "Oh? How so? Would you like to talk about it?". Lara nodded and smiled sweetly. Hillary always did worry too much about her. "Well, it all has to do about the dreams I had last night. One dream gave me a good feeling but the other...A bad feeling.". Lara took a sip of the coffee and sat down on the edge of her bed.



"I had a dream that I would soon be given an opportunity to take part in a new adventure, one filled with things that just aren't meant to be found. It seemed so real and exciting. This was the dream that gave me the rather good feeling about today...". Lara paused.



"And the bad feeling?". Hillary continued. "What was so bad about the other dream?". Lara sighed, "Alex was in it.". "Oh. I see.". Hillary replied. "What was he doing in your dream to give you such a bad feeling about today?". Lara raised her eyebrow and smiled, "He was in it.". They both laughed slightly.



"Actually, he came into my room and told me about this offer for an adventure. That he was being paid to find an artifact, but his employer wanted me to go as well. In my dream Alex said that the man would make it worth my wild.". Lara paused, "But Alex knows that I can't be bought, I don't work for money. So why would he even try? Unless he can make a small fortune from that one job?".



Hillary nodded, "Well you know how dreams are.". "Mysterious and confusing?". Lara interrupted. Hillary nodded, "Best not to dwell on it. Now I'll leave so you can get ready for this splendid new day.". He took her empty coffee sup and the silver tray and then headed for the door. "Oh and Hillary...". Lara said as Hillary turned around, "Yes miss?". Lara smiled, "Thanks for listening.". "It's my pleasure.". He then bowed his head and left the room leaving Lara alone.



"Maybe Hillary's right. It was just a stupid dream after all.". Lara smiled to herself and headed for her private bathroom. She slowly slide off her white pyjama pants and the rest of her clothes and tossed them into the hamper. She then slowly stepped into the glass shower and turned on the water, letting it pour onto her while waking her up.



Steam rose from the shower and sun brightened that area of the room. She closed her eyes for a few minutes, just letting the water soak through her hair. She soon stepped out of the shower wrapped the soft white cotton towel around herself as she headed for her closet.



She put on her black pants with her black tank top. She figured she should be ready in case that her dream came true about the adventure. She wanted to be all dressed and ready to go. Then, if it turned out that it was just a dream she could always just go a few rounds with S.I.M.O.N and she would be already dressed for that. She laced up her black boots and hooked on her belt. She then placed her two pistols in their places and started down the stairs.



She figured that since it was only about eight, Bryce would still be out in his trailer. So she'd either have to wait before putting in some time with S.I.M.O.N or wake Bryce up. "Tempting...". Lara smiled to herself. She loved making Bryce have to get up early. He was so much fun to tease when he was half asleep and hadn't had his coffee yet.



When Lara had come to the end of the long staircase, Hillary was there with a less than happy look on his face. "Hillary? What is it?". Lara questioned. Hillary sighed, "Remember your dream about that bad feeling?". "Yes.". Hillary continued, "Well Mr.West is here to see you.". Hillary then walked off into the kitchen.



Lara then heard a very familiar voice, "Hey Lara. You're lookin' great.". She turned around to see Alex West smiling at her. He was wearing black pants with a white sleeves top and a black long sleeved shirt over it. His hair was slightly spiked from him just getting out of the shower and he was smiling his usual smile.



Lara sighed,"Alex. You're looking like you're up to something again?". Alex put his hand over his heart mockingly, "Ouch. That hurts Lara.". He was smiling while he said it.



Lara crossed her arms as Alex walked over to her. "So what do I owe this visit Alex?". Lara questioned, yet somehow thought that she would know soon enough. Alex paused and then smiled mischievously, "I have a business proposition.". "Oh really? I'm listening..".



Alex then explained the whole thing to Lara. The part about he wouldn't get paid unless he somehow managed to get Lara Croft, the famous Tomb Raider, to come along as well. He told her how the employer wouldn't be going on the adventure at all, he was trusting Alex and Lara to find the thing without him having to travel. "It's the opportunity of a lifetime. You have no idea what this money could do for me.". Lara's expression remained unchanged.



Alex then took her hand in his ever so sincerely. His eyes pleading with her, "Please Lara...I really need this money...". Lara smiled slightly, at that moment in his eyes she remembered the old Alex. The one who wasn't driven by money or power, but by the thrill of the raid and adventure.

"So what are we looking for?". Lara finally said with a smile. Alex's eyes lit up as wrapped his arms around her in a hug. He whispered in her ear, "Thank you...". His warm breath sent shivers down her spine. She knew he meant it. Alex West, was actually being sincere.



Alex then stepped back and handed Lara an ancient looking piece of paper. "This is what we're suppose to find.". Lara took the paper and looked at it with inquiring eyes. "I see...Curse of the Scorpion? I've heard of this. An artifact that would give it's possessor the ability to be immune from disease. Or so the legend goes. An ancient civilization worshipped the scorpion for this power. They all vanished millennia ago. Some now believe that the Curse of the Scorpion is what was behind it, but no one knows for sure.". Lara smiled playfully.



Alex then grinned, "I knew you'd like it...". Lara nodded, "Yes, but I never thought that I'd ever have to be your partner...". Alex raised his brow, "We used to be partners before...". Lara smiled mischievously, "Yes...But 'before' was a long time ago. Back when I could trust you not to steal from me. This time you can't or else you won't be paid. Am I right Alex?".



Alex sighed, "Lara...One day I'll find a way for you to trust me again.". "I doubt it.". Lara smiled teasingly. "So when do we leave?". "This afternoon on a private plane. I'll come pick you up.". Alex then let himself out, "Oh and Lara, thanks again.". He then hopped into his shiny red sports car and drove off.



Lara smiled as Hillary came back into the room, "Shall I get out your equipment?". Lara smiled, "Yes Hillary. You can help me get ready as well.". The two then headed back upstairs to get Lara packed.



Meanwhile, in the trailer outside, Bryce was still fast asleep dreaming about new improvements he could make to S.I.M.O.N. Sadly, he wouldn't remember any of the ideas when he woke up.



*Aven*



*****Yay! Chapter 3 is up. I had no idea what I was going to write for this chapter until I actually started writing, came out ok if I say so me self. Lol. *smiles cutely* *****