Disclaimer: I do not own the Mummy Returns. Just writing for fun.

A/n: Hey all, Here's what it might be the final update. Hope you guys like, and thank you for the follows, favorites, and reviews. SO, I have half a mind to do the third movie, since it does still involve Rick, and Jonathan. I didn't like it either, but I'm thinking of putting in our friend Ardeth in there anyway. :D Might spice things up a bit yeah? What do you guys think? Let me know!

Chapter 38: Where? China?

Rory finally got up from her bed, and turned to face the door. It'd been years since she last saw Ardeth, since they at last defeated the enemy of the Scorpion King. Imhotep was no longer a worry. But still, the medjai had to protect their cities out in the desert. Jonathan had been worried about Rory and her depressive feelings as of late. He knew that she missed him very much. Rick also noticed his friend's particular predicament. There was a knock at the door, but the person behind it didn't wait for her to say enter. Of course, why not? It was Rick after all.

"Okay Rory, I'm sick of this. I think it's time that we go on a desert dig, what do you say?" he asked.

"Where? China?" she asked jokingly.

"Actually, yes, that's exactly where. How did you know that?"

Rory stayed silent.

"Evie," he said in realization.

"Yeah," Rory smiled at him. "So, what's in China, mummies? Jade? Cause I sure as hell know that it's way out of Ardeth's jurisdiction. He protects Egypt. You protect Egypt, you protect the world."

"Yeah, well the curator's realized there was more than one mummy in place. He's called the Dragon Emperor."

"Ooh sounds mysterious. But we're going to be smart this time, and not bring them back to life right?" Rory asked.

"Right," Rick said. "And actually, I've kind of pulled some strings."

Rory arched an eyebrow. "What kind of strings?"

Rick grinned. "Ardeth's meeting us there."

"What?"

"If there are mummies involved, as my dutiful son put it, Ardeth can help."

"Since when has Alex been dutiful?" Rory asked. "Kidding, kidding. He has grown up hasn't he?"

Rick nodded. "He has. So, what do you say? You up for it?"

"Maybe."

"Maybe?"

"If Ardeth isn't there I don't want to go," Rory said.

"Come on Rory, don't do this," Rick said. "It'll be fun."

"Fun? Name an expedition of yours that's been fun. And besides I really don't wanna be a third wheel with you and Evie and whatever it is you two plan on canoodling. It's just weird."

"Well, we won't. We'll keep our distance. Jonathan's coming, and Alex will be there too," he said.

Rory sighed. "I don't know…."

"Please, Ror? Just like old times?"

"Will it be though?"

Rick smiled widely. "Of course it will be."

"I hate that."

"What?" Rick's smile grew into a grin.

"You always round me up like that, and then something big happens, and we have to clean it up."

"Well, I'm sure you've always wanted to see the Great Wall of China."

"Yeah, that sounds lovely. Let's just not bring any mummies to life, okay?"

"Okay," he chuckled. "So are you in?"

"I'm in." It was time after all. She'd write a letter to Ardeth. He better be prepared for her. She missed him. And needed him near her side through this if they were doing this...

~*TMR*~