Disclaimer: I do not own The Mummy or The Mummy Returns. Just my OC. Writing for fun.

Chapter 24: I have no one. You have me.

Two weeks later, and Rory had woken up with morning sickness for the second day of the week. She lifted her hair back after she'd finished, and sighed heavily. She was exhausted and felt drained. Ardeth had taken her under his wing and was trying to teach her the ways of the Medjai. But these last couple weeks have been rather difficult. Nimshi could see it, especially in her eyes.

"You have to tell him," Nimshi said in Arabic. Rory fought an eye roll but she knew he was right. "Like we keep telling you. The desert is no place for a woman, or child."

She was trying not to glare at him, knowing full well he was right. She let out a sigh, and looked down at her stomach, grimacing. She placed a hand on it and bit her bottom lip worriedly. Damn it. He was right. And so was Evie. She had written to the Englishwoman in hopes she'd get the message, needing another woman's perspective on this, and Evie was the smartest woman she knew. The letter was resting on her dresser by the candle and her canteen water.

"Can you tell him for me?" She asked.

Nimshi chuckled at her and shook his head. "I'm sorry dear one. You have to do it."

Later that day, that evening, Rory paced back and forth within her tent. She played the night over and over in her head. The Chieftain granted her mercy. But at what cost?

The night however was something she'd never forget. It was…magical, heaven, beautiful…his kisses, sighs, their hearts entwined, and touches were everything Rory had craved even more during their moment. She'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Part of her was afraid to tell him. She'd grown so much since then, and had grown to even love him even more. She wasn't sure that was possible, but it was. She didn't want to loose their growing friendship, or maybe something even more one day. And what would he think of her now? Pregnancy wasn't on her to-do list. She was afraid. She was betting it wasn't on his either. But she'd had time to think, and as scary as it was, she would carry this baby, and care for it. She would. She wouldn't be like her parents. She wouldn't give it up at all.

She wouldn't… Ardeth told her she was better than that.

"I know that the Book of the Dead is still out here, Ardeth. I'm going back to go get it," Rory said, walking out in the middle of the desert.

"Oh come on, Rory. Don't do this. Your parents wouldn't want to come back this way!"

"How do you know?" Rory rolled around. She'd grown desperate to find them.

"Because you're better than this…they didn't mean to leave you. Most don't. But I know that bringing them back isn't going to solve your problems," Ardeth said.

Rory shook her head and continued walking, but was suddenly grabbed by Ardeth's arms. He wrapped them around her trying to stop her from continuing forward.

"NO! Damn it! Stop!" he yelled at her, but the tears were already flowing down her face as she fought with all of her might to get away from him.

"Please… Ardeth… I have no one…. I have no one else….out here…I need them back…I need my family…" she sobbed helplessly, trying to pry from his arms until she could no longer pry and fell to her knees down in the sand. "I'm alone…"

"You are not alone," Ardeth said. "You have me."

It was on a day after they enveloped within one another. Rory was feeling particularly lonesome, realizing that Rick was now with Evie, and she was out here all alone. Sure she was with the Medjai warriors and she was getting to know Ardeth more, but still deep down inside, part of her still wanted to see her parents. She wanted them back so much she was willing to travel back to the City of the Dead and dig for the book. Despite not having her ability anymore, she still felt drawn to it.

It was always apart of her. Perhaps its keeper.

She wondered today, now, if Ardeth would still have her. Maybe he was right. Still…

She heard the familiar flap of the tent flap back, making her head snap up, and stop in her trek.

"Ardeth," she smiled but then frowned noticing the off look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just dealing with a couple of gravediggers today, who wanted to go fishing in Hamunaptra. Nothing we couldn't handle. Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yes, I think so. It's um," she hesitated and lifted a strand of hair over her ear. "There's something I need to tell you, so, uh, I'll just go ahead and say it." She drew in a deep breath and let it out, "I'm pregnant."

"I know," he said, and she narrowed her eyes at him curiously. "Well, I suspected a few mornings ago, despite my men being a little aloof to say the least…not very subtle. Rory, you don't have to be afraid to tell me anything."

"I don't?" Rory asked with an arched eyebrow.

"No," Ardeth stepped forward towards her. "You don't."

Rory bit her bottom lip. "Well….how do you feel about it?"

"How do you feel about it?" he countered.

She shrugged. "I asked you first," she said.

He nodded at her, eying her carefully. "Fair enough. Terrified, but, nothing we can't handle together."

"You really think so?" She asked.

"I know so," he nodded.

"Ardeth…." Rory said, sensing there was more than what he was letting on. And then it hit her. "You're sending me back to Cairo, aren't you?"

"That is the smartest move," Ardeth said. "I have to see that you and the baby are delivered safely into this world. I want know harm to come to either of you. Can we at least agree to that?"

She nodded. He was right. Either of them could end up dead in the heat of the desert. Not the best of conditions to be in while pregnant. "You have my word."

"Thank you," he said, and brought her hands into his, placing a kiss upon her forehead. "I love you."

Rory looked up at him and widened her eyes. A real smile appeared on her face. "You do?"

"Of course I do."

"Well, it's just…it is kind of the first time you said that since we, um, well, you know," she smiled sheepishly. He chuckled at her and stole a kiss on the lips.

"It's true. I don't think you know how happy I am right now," he said.

"You can show me," Rory suggested impishly. Ardeth nodded, and held her tight in his arms.

"Oh, I will, my princess, I will."

~*TM*~

A/n: So what do you guys think?! I wasn't sure about going this way, but I think I like it. Let me know what you think! Thank you all for reading, following, favoriting, and reviewing! Always welcomed and loved! More updates soon!