Disclaimer: I still own nothing from The Mummy Returns.
(I corrected some spelling errors in this story. I hope I have them right this time!)
From the Sands
Rebecca glared at the stubborn door. She'd been working on it for two hours, and had yet to find a way to get in without breaking it down. She was loath to do that; she hated to damage something that had been created centuries ago and still survived. She glanced at Rick, who was waiting patiently for her to give the word to bust the door in. Since she could see no other way she nodded, at which he raised the crowbar up and slammed it into the door. It gave in with a groan, crashing down and revealing an opening that was black as the night.
"See?" Rick gloated proud of his accomplishment. "My way is better."
"Of course it is, dear." Evy humored him, patting his shoulder.
Rebecca could barely contain her excitement. Finally, a way in! She lit her torch quickly, and was ready to step in when Ardeth's voice broke the spell.
"I will go first." He said firmly, his hand on her arm halting her.
"There's nothing here. Nothing that can hurt me, Ardeth."
"Allow me to be cautious." He replied, his expression warning against further argument.
She let him proceed first, careful to avoid any more contact as he stepped past her. She had managed to not be alone in his company since that night, and was careful not to be too near him. His mere presence was enough to send her pulse racing; she wouldn't be able to hold up against his touch. The torchlight made him appear dangerous, and she could not contain the shiver that ran through her.
There was a lot of debris scattered through the corridor, and she cursed those careless bastards that had taken so little care when excavating Imhotep from his grave the second time around. Extra care had to be taken so that one did not trip. Evy lost her step and stumbled into Rebecca. Trying to maintain her balance, Rebecca reached out and held onto a stone post sticking out of the wall. The weight of her body pushed the post upwards, and she hoped she hadn't broken anything.
A low rumble started, seeming to come from deep underground. The walls around them began to shake, the vibrations knocking them to the floor. Ardeth hauled her to her feet, shouting for everyone to run back the way they had come. The four of them made it out the door in record time, and they stood watching the amazing spectacle appearing before them.
"My god." Rebecca said softly, not noticing that Ardeth still held her hand in his "Look at that!"
Hamunatpra was slowly rising from the sand before them. Tons of sand poured from the tops of buildings that had not seen the light of day since Evy and Rick had been there last. The City of the Dead was coming to life before them. Rebecca stepped closer to Ardeth, her awe of what was happening overcoming her reluctance to be near him.
"Here we go again." Rick said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Don't get any ideas Evelyn. I don't think we should be desecrating any more tombs."
"It's not like that." Evy scolded
"Give me one good reason why we should go back in there."
"Remember all the treasure we had to leave behind last time?" She asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Maybe."
"Wouldn't you like a chance to bring it all home?" She continued, her lips hovering near his.
"Possibly."
"It would drive Jonathan nuts." She finished, covering his mouth in a kiss meant to persuade.
"That alone would be worth it." Rick admitted.
Rebecca was elated by what had just happened. Eager to begin explorations she took a step forward. Ardeth's grip on her hand halted her. She looked back over her shoulder, preparing for the lecture she was sure was coming.
"I must leave."
Rebecca's heart fell. She was not expecting the rush of disappointment that nearly brought tears to her eyes.
"Why?"
"Now that the city has risen above the sands I must let my people know, so that we may once again protect it." He replied, pleased at the fact that she seemed unhappy by his departure.
"Oh." Rebecca said, swallowing nervously "Will you be coming back?"
"I do plan to return." He said softly, pulling on her arm until she was directly in front of him. "You will stay safe until I do so."
"Of course. There's nothing…"
Her words were cut off when he pressed his lips to hers. The kiss lasted only a moment and she stood staring as he turned and walked away, a dazed expression on her face. Evy watched with knowing smile on her face, pleased that someone had finally gotten under her friend's skin.
"Rebecca."
"Yes?" she replied.
"Let's go visit Hamunaptra." Evy suggested.
As they started forward Rebecca's foot came down on something hard. She looked down, using her foot to clear the sand away from the object glinting up at her from the sand. Examination revealed it to be an armband, made of gold. On the back was the unmistakable name of Anck-su-namun. She wrapped her fingers around it, a tremor shaking her body. Why did she keep finding these things? What did they mean? Who kept sending them?
Evy looked back, halting when she saw the frightened look on Rebecca's face. She walked back to her, prying open her friend's fingers to see what she held.
"Come on Rebecca." Evy said gently, "Let's show this to Rick. I think we'll be staying close to him from now on."
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