Author's Note: So I haven't managed to get the playlist together yet, but I will! Also, I realize now that once a week means it'll be about February or March before this is fully uploaded, and I'm not sure I'm willing to wait that long. We'll see how progress goes on my other projects, I might do a twice-weekly upload.

American Thanksgiving is coming, and during Isis I used to send out a newsletter with a great big thank you message, and sometimes bonus content. I can't really do that anymore, but I wanted to do a little something to keep up the tradition: I am SO GRATEFUL to my readers, and especially those who take a moment to review. You guys are super awesome, and your feedback means a lot to me. You encourage me and teach me and make me a better writer, and a better person. So sincerely, thank you.

Enjoy!

Set

Chapter Nine

Glimmer

The goodbyes were shorter than everyone had hoped they would be, and yet a moment longer would have broken the spirit of every person there.

Robert and Diana – neither looking at the other – hugged Paige tight, and kissed the top of her head. Diana broke down and asked Paige not to go, to which Paige immediately insisted that she had to, though her expression was understandably nervous. She couldn't imagine sitting idly by while her dear friends went off to fight, couldn't just sit and watch Alex leave her behind. She knew Alex had to go, and therefore she had to go, too. Besides – this she didn't mention – she was pretty sure that if she didn't go, Imhotep didn't go. It was an assumption, but, perhaps, a correct one.

Ardeth and Alice were barely capable of letting go of each other for a second. They moved together, arms around each other, or hands clasped tightly. They stood apart from everyone else, whispering to each other, small heartbreaking sobs escaping Alice every now and then though she tried so hard to remain strong. They whispered promises, Ardeth apologizing for not having a wedding gift for his new bride, Alice telling him that her gift would be him returning alive.

Jonathan tried repeatedly to say goodbye to Heather, but Heather continuously refused, assuring him that she could take care of herself, that she could help somehow, that the more people they had on this mission the more likely they were to succeed. The last part, at least, was true. Still, Jonathan was torn between a desire to keep Heather safe, and a desire not to die alone, should it come to that. In the end, Heather was a grown woman and could make her own decision. There was no saying goodbye to the redhead. She was coming along.

Other goodbyes were exchanged, between the O'Connell's and the Woods and the new Mrs. Bey, Fiona and the Woods, Ardeth and the remaining Medjai force, Seti and the men he considered part of his private guard (as Medjai had always been).

The time for goodbyes was short, as the world was short on time to waste. It was only a few minutes before Diana and Robert gave a tearful farewell to their daughter before reluctantly heading to back to New York, and Alice and Ardeth had one last, long kiss before finally Rick had to gently remind them that they had to go, and Paige had to pull Alice from Ardeth because every time Ardeth stepped away, Alice reached for him again. Paige and Alice said a brief farewell, words of admiration on the tip of Paige's tongue. She was too afraid that if she said them it meant she would never see her sister again, and Alice had the same feeling and kept her thoughts on Paige's bravery to herself. Finally, Alice left for South America, where she and Ardeth were meant to go on their honeymoon. It was about as far from Egypt as Paige could imagine, and she was thankful for that.

If only there was some way to guarantee they would make it to the airport safely, thought Paige.

The group of adventurers drove to the City of the Dead in the truck, those who couldn't squeeze into the cabin riding in the back. Seti had priority in the cabin, as everyone seemed to agree that Imhotep and Seti had to be as far away from each other as possible. Paige grabbed a box of leftover macarons so the group would have something extra to eat, though the thought of snacking on the cookies made her stomach twist.

They arrived just as the plane came to a full stop, and got out of the car as Kasiya stepped off the plane, dressed in jeans, a charcoal Tshirt and a light beige jacket. "I see ten, O'Connell!" he said by way of greeting.

Rick hopped out of the bed of the truck, and grimaced. "I know. There was a bit of a surprise."

"Is it going to be okay?" asked Evy, part of her hoping Kasiya would insist that they had to leave someone behind, and that someone would be Alex. Then Paige and Fiona would both stay, as well.

But she remembered again that there was nowhere safe in the world, and at least this way she could keep an eye on them all. Even if it was dangerous, at least they would be together.

But Kasiya nodded. "It'll be fine. This beauty will carry twenty people." 'Beauty' was, perhaps, too kind a word, but no one mentioned this to him. "But I didn't bring enough food and water along for ten, we'll have to be sparing."

Rick approached his friend, and the two shook hands in greeting. "We have food and water, too. We should be fine."

"Ah – but did you prepare for the trip back? You never remembered to prepare for the way home."

Rick sighed. "We'll see if there's a trip back to worry about, first."

Kasiya's mouth formed a grim line for a moment, and then was replaced with the smile Rick knew now was his version of armor. "Well, come along, everyone. We should be off. Where are we going?"

Rick and Evy's eyes met for a moment, and then Evy smiled apologetically at Kasiya. "Well, we don't know for sure-"

"We can't leave unless you know," insisted Kasiya seriously. "It's too dangerous to fly aimlessly. We could get lost, and the plane may run out of fuel."

"I know," sighed Rick. "We thought we had a plan for that, but…no one remembers entirely where we're supposed to go first."

"First?"

Alex came up behind them. "When I went there before, we stopped at a few landmarks. I remember a few of them, but not all of them, and not in order. I was only eight."

Kasiya turned to Alex, and clasped his shoulder. "You must be Alex, Rick's son. It's good to meet you."

"It's good to meet you, too, uh-"

"Kasiya," he responded. "I am an old war friend of your father's, among other things."

"Oh," said Alex. He wasn't sure what to say afterward, so he only turned to take Paige's bag for her. The group had changed back into their casual clothes – Seti and Imhotep into desert wear from the Medjai – and Paige's bag was heavy with the heels she'd been 'unable' to leave behind. He also reached for Fiona's bag, but Fiona shook her head and smiled.

"There must be some way to create a map," said Kasiya, feeling a little angry at having come all this way for what may have been no reason. "You must find a way."

"Well-" began Rick, but he was interrupted by Seti, who stepped into the center of the group.

"What has happened to the bracelet of the Scorpion King?" he demanded. "It was meant to lead the wearer to the Oasis of Ahm-Shere."

Alex raised his hand to gain the attention of the group. "It's gone. I was wearing it, then dad took it off me at the temple and threw it, and that's the last anyone saw of it."

"That's not quite true," said Ardeth, approaching. He knelt to the ground and swung his bag off his shoulder. He opened the bag, pushed aside some clothing and lifted something golden and gleaming up so everyone could see it. The bracelet. "After the Oasis collapsed, I was traveling through the desert and my horse kicked something hard. I looked down to see what it was, and saw the bracelet glistening in the sand. It was likely there because the force of the winds as the Oasis collapsed blew it out of the path of destruction long enough for it to survive. The Medjai have since kept it, to keep it safe, to be sure no one uses it again. However, the Scorpion King has already been raised. As long as we make it to the temple in time, there is no harm in wearing it."

"I will wear it," volunteered Imhotep immediately. Surprised, the group turned to look at him. They hadn't known he was listening. "I am at fault for Parsons's actions. And I may still be immortal. The bracelet may not take my life if we do not reach the temple in time."

"Er," began Alex, and then he hesitated. Disagreeing with the Creature made him nervous. "Is that really going to work? I mean, maybe the power will interact differently with you, because you are, uh, technically undead."

Everyone, including Jonathan and Heather, had now gathered into the group, and they all looked at each other with slightly defeated, confused looks. What Alex said could very well be true. The bracelet hadn't been meant to be worn by the undead.

"It was meant to be worn by you, Alex," Ardeth finally said what no one wanted to say. "It was already your destiny to guide the way to Ahm-Shere."

Alex nodded, and drew a slow breath, ready to admit that this was probably their best chance.

But Paige spoke up first. "Um, no."

"Paige-"

"Um, hell no. You are not putting that thing back on. If we survive the fight but you die because the sun hits the temple before we do, I will never forgive any of us," insisted Paige. "I'm sure your parents and Jonathan agree. That's unacceptable. No. That's not happening."

"Paige, I have to."

Evy took Alex by the shoulders. "No, you don't. Paige is right, you can't do this. Someone else will have to put the bracelet on."

"Who?" demanded Alex. "Who else is going to put it on? There's no way we'll let Paige or Fiona. Heather won't be able to see the visions. The pilot – Mr. Kasiya – isn't going to be able to fly and have random visions. Imhotep and Seti are undead-"

"Seti who?" asked Kasiya, surprised.

"- and you and dad and Uncle Jonathan are going to be way more helpful in a fight than I am, with way more experience. Who else is there?"

"Actually," started Jonathan, raising his finger to show he had something to say. "You've been trained to fight, Alex. I just sort of go off the cuff."

Heather turned her head to face Jonathan. "So you'll put it on?"

"Now, I didn't say that-"

The group began to argue amongst themselves about who would be the best candidate to wear the bracelet, too busy fighting to realize that Fiona had stepped away. While they talked, the group had inched toward the plane, further away from the bag that contained the bracelet. Feeling physical pain from the conflict going on around her and consumed with curiosity, Fiona moved away from them and knelt beside Ardeth's bag, peering inside to get a good look at the ancient bracelet that had caused so much trouble for so many centuries.

It didn't look so terrible. It wasn't exactly pretty, but it didn't look evil, either. Most of the shine of the gold had worn off over the years, but it was still a very beautiful gold. The sides of the bracelet were perfectly fine, covered with circular decorations. The scorpion tail was fairly frightful, as were it's giant claws. Most off-putting of all was the scorpion's face, which wasn't of a scorpion at all but of an ant-eater, it's long, wicked tongue curling outward. Still, it was a fascinating bit of history.

Part of her wanted to touch it. Part of her was afraid what would happen if she did.

"The Bracelet of Set," mumbled Seti, kneeling beside her. Fiona felt an uncomfortable squirming in her stomach, and she automatically scooted away from him. "An unusual piece of jewelry, isn't it?"

Fiona nodded, unable to speak. She looked at the group and realized that they were now a few feet away, nearly at the plane now. Looking back at Seti, all she could manage to do was shrug. A sick fear filled her body. Being around the dead people was difficult enough, and now she was alone with one.

Seti's eyes narrowed on her face for a moment. "I know you, do I not?"

"I-" she began, but the sound was strangled. Her voice was small and shaking. "I think you might. Paige says I have a past life as, uh…" Fiona gripped the cross around her neck, her face flushing. "As one of your concubines. Miu, was my name. I don't remember it. But we also…also found this tomb that had a bunch of names in it, along with Miu's, so I might have more."

"Multiple past lives?" asked Seti, sounding almost awed. "I remember Miu, but to have many lives is not something often heard of. What were the other names?"

"Um," squeaked Fi, and she fought to clear the fog of fear from her brain so she could remember. "Um, I think there was…Sitiah, but then that was crossed out and it said Nebthet. And then – and then there was Miu, and then Yuzuki, and then Colette, and then – then Amelia, and then my name, um, Abigail was the name my birth mother was going to give me so that was there, and then it was crossed out and there was the name my parents gave me. Fiona."

"Sitiah…I know that name," he sad lowly. "Sitiah, or Nebthet. She was a companion of the Scorpion King's. She was written as being…somehow important."

Fiona's eyes were large as Seti spoke. "Really? You know about her?" she asked excitedly, her fear being pushed aside briefly by her desperation for answers.

"I do not know much," admitted Seti. "Not many words survived about her. But I know some."

"What?" asked Fiona, leaning forward. "What do you know? Could you please tell me?"

Seti frowned for a moment, trying to remember what it was he had read. "Her name was Sitiah when she lived in a southern country. When Egypt took possession of it, she changed her name to Nebthet and was brought to Egypt. The Scorpion King heard of her, stories of her strange power. He paid her to assist him, and his army succeeded so well for a time because of her. In the end, she betrayed him. We never found records of what happened to her after that."

Fiona stared at Seti, twisting the cross around her fingers. She'd helped the Scorpion King take over Egypt in another life? How was it possible that she had done something that evil, even in another life? "That's all? It said nothing about who she was, or how she helped him?"

Seti shook his head. "Only tales told to frighten small children, about her being a witch."

Swallowing, Fiona leaned back, defeated. A witch. She'd been some kind of evil witch in another life. All she wanted now was to be a good person, to do good in the world. What could she possibly do to make up for being evil in a previous life, to bring balance back to her soul?

"It seems strange…" began Seti, and then he looked Fiona in the eye, and shook his head as if to say he didn't want to speak his thought in front of her.

"What?" asked Fi. "What seems strange?"

Seti sighed, and then slowly drew in another breath before responding. "Strange, that the soul of the woman who served the Scorpion King would be here as we are about to return to his resting place. As we argue over whose destiny it is to wear his bracelet."

"Destiny…?" repeated Fiona, looking back at the golden bracelet with wicked imagery.

"Yes," said Seti, his voice low and reverent. "Destined to lead us back to Ahm-Shere, to defeat the Scorpion King's army, to save the world and all the lives in it. I think it is strange, that one who built up the Scorpion King be here as we attempt to bring his army down, to be given a chance to save every living soul."

The one who built up the Scorpion King be here as we attempt to bring his army down. Destiny. She had wondered how she could possibly make up for the evil of her past. Perhaps it was staring her right in the face.

Her hand shaking, Fiona reached for the bracelet. She picked it up, and it was heavier than she'd imagined. The weight on her arm would be tremendous, but nothing compared to the weight on her soul if she didn't wear it. Uncertain, she looked at Seti, who nodded encouragingly. Fi nodded in return and tried her best to swallow her fear.

She could end the fighting. Could save them time. Could guide them to Ahm-Shere. Could actually be of some use to the group. Could help save everyone.

All she had to do was slip the bracelet on.

Fiona closed her eyes tight to fight back the tears, took a deep breath, and exposed her left wrist. Her right hand moved to place the bracelet on her exposed skin…

"Hey!" came a sharp cry. Surprised, Fiona gasped and looked up in time to see Jonathan charging towards her. He seized the bracelet, ripping it from her hand. "What do you think you're doing?"

"I – I was-" she began, her voice faltering as a tear ran down her cheek.

"Not you!" exclaimed Jonathan. He gestured to Seti with the bracelet. "You! What the bloody hell do you think you're doing?"

Seti stood, outraged. "I have done nothing!"

"You were endangering the life of a child!"

"I'm not a child," responded Fiona softly, staring at the sand. "And he didn't do anything. He didn't tell me to put it on, I was doing it myself."

"You were being manipulated." Fi jumped as Imhotep spoke, not having seen him come up behind her.

Unable to look at him and speak directly to him, Fiona continued to stare at the sand. "No, he wasn't. He just said that-" And Fiona stopped, and thought. Had she been manipulated? Seti had told her she had a guilty past, and said it was funny that she was there as they were looking for someone to wear the bracelet.

But he hadn't wanted to say that! She had to believe in the good in him. "I…I don't think he meant to."

"Fact is, you're gullible and self-sacrificing," said Alex, his tone angry. "And he's a manipulative bas-"

"Alex!" exclaimed Evy in horror.

"Well, he is!" said Alex, as he pulled Fiona to her feet and pushed her behind him, toward Paige. "He saw an opening and he went for it. We all know he did."

Seti's temper was growing hot. "I am Pha-"

"You're dead, so guess what, you're not the bloody Pharaoh. Egypt doesn't even have a Pharaoh anymore!"

Angry, Seti turned to Ardeth. "Will you do something about this child?"

Through gritted teeth, Ardeth said, "Were I not sworn to protect you, I would have your head."

"We can't trust him!" shouted Alex. "We should leave him behind."

"As tempted as I am to agree with you, Alex," began Evy, also fuming at Seti's trickery, "We need him. We've nearly formulated a map, but we're going to need his help to guide us there, just as we need yours, and Ardeth's, and Imhotep's."

"Do we know where we're going first?" interrupted Kasiya, attempting to defuse the situation and get everyone focused on the task at hand. "Do we know what direction we're headed? We need to start before we lose the light."

Rick nodded. "Yes, I think so," he said, scowling at Seti before turning to Kasiya. "We can draw up a map before we get on the plane."

"I have one inside," said Kasiya, turning to the plane. "I can bring it out so we can mark it."

"You okay?" Paige asked Fiona, as things around them began to settle down.

Fi nodded, wiping tears off her face. "Yes, I think so."

Paige wrapped her arms around her friend, "Don't worry about it. You were trying to help."

Fiona sniffed and nodded. She didn't want to believe that the Pharaoh had been manipulating her. But then, he was a dead…thing. Maybe being wicked was in their nature, as they were…unnatural.

How was she ever going to survive this trip, when she couldn't even resist manipulation from a dead man?

"We're ready, then?" asked Evy fifteen minutes later as she looked down at their map. They had circled landmarks, highlighted passages and wrote down bits of memory in the places they weren't exactly sure about. A path had more or less been lined out. The only place that wasn't clear enough was the path from the Oasis of Ahm-Shere to the pyramid, since the whole thing had disappeared and then been dug up again. And Ardeth wasn't sure if the Scorpion King being risen again meant the whole oasis was back again or not.

They would just have to figure it out once they got there.

Kasiya rolled the map up. "We're ready," he agreed. "The places that aren't concrete will just have to be recalled as we go."

"Speaking of going," said Alex, "We should probably do that."

"Where's Imhotep?" asked Paige suddenly, looking around the vast expanse of desert. She hadn't noticed him disappearing, but now he was nowhere to be found.

"Here," came a voice from the other side of the plane. Soon Imhotep stepped into their field of vision, carrying large jars in his arms and with his powers, making them float behind him. Fiona gasped and averted her gaze as though seeing something scary in a horror film.

"What are those for?" asked Paige, frowning in confusion.

"They are the last remains of my warriors," he explained, his gaze dark as he looked at Rick, who had killed more of them than the rest. Rick pretended not to notice.

"Well then!" exclaimed Evy, heading towards the plane. "That…that'll help, that's great. Let's get going, and cross our fingers we get there in time."

Artificial: I know this chapter is short, but I hope you liked it anyway. Please remember that feedback – positive or negative – always helps, and in the wonderful world of fanfiction writing, it can shape the way the story goes in the future. Thank you!